SoVote

Context: House Hansard - 314 - May/21/24

Mr. Alistair MacGregor (Cowichan—Malahat—Langford, NDP)

May/21/24 2:21:59 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, last week I joined the health committee during its two days in Vancouver as a part of its study into the toxic drug crisis. We met with people on the front lines: supervised consumption sites, overdose prevention, low-barrier housing, health care and recovery providers, law enforcement and the community court. We also met directly with people who use drugs, the very same people who are bearing the terrible and lethal impact of toxic street drugs. I learned a lot over those two days, especially about harm reduction and safe supply as necessary parts of a continuum of care with treatment and recovery. Unfortunately and shamefully, not one single Conservative MP showed up in Vancouver. Rather than learn and bear witness to evidence-informed policies on the toxic drug crisis, the Conservatives would rather embrace bumper-sticker politics and false narratives, and scapegoat the most vulnerable. The Liberal government has failed to meet the crisis with the urgency it demands, and the Conservatives are playing politics. All the while, people die.

173 words

Context: House Hansard - 314 - May/21/24

Hon. Pierre Poilievre (Leader of the Opposition, CPC)

May/21/24 2:32:07 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, Liberals think that one pays down debt by borrowing more, that one stops inflation by printing money and that one fights the drug overdose crisis by legalizing hard drugs, so at least they are consistent in their irrationality. Now they have been forced to backtrack right before the election on their legalization of hard drugs because Canadians are revolting against the policy. Today, we have a motion that will be voted on in the House to permanently ban hard drugs. Will the government vote for that motion, or will it admit that it plans to legalize drugs again after the next election?

104 words

Context: House Hansard - 314 - May/21/24

Hon. Mark Holland (Minister of Health, Lib.)

May/21/24 3:08:15 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, on the first order, if we are going to have safe hospitals, we have to provide science-based, evidence-based information and not support misinformation, because, too often in our hospitals, it is actually misinformation that is fuelling much of the aggression that our doctors and nurses are facing. Secondly, I would say to the member opposite, with regard to the health committee going and listening to people on the ground in British Columbia and hearing directly from those affected by this toxic drug crisis, why were the Conservatives not there? Why did they not send anybody to listen? Why are they not actually on the ground listening to the people who are suffering in this crisis? It is time to act on solutions and evidence.

128 words

Context: House Hansard - 314 - May/22/24

Mrs. Élisabeth Brière (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and to the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, Lib.)

May/22/24 12:14:38 a.m.
Watch

Madam Speaker, the overdose crisis is one of the most serious and unprecedented public health threats in Canada's recent history, and it is impacting communities across the country. Our hearts go out to the individuals, families and friends affected by this public health crisis. As part of its holistic approach, our government is continuing to support efforts to divert people who use drugs away from the criminal justice system and towards health and social services. This approach reduces immediate harm and helps people find the right supports, including treatment and recovery, while keeping our communities safe. We have amended the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act to encourage police and prosecutors to consider alternatives to charging and prosecuting individuals for drug possession offences. These amendments mean that individuals can avoid being criminalized and get the help they need to address underlying issues. This strategy encourages a public health approach while making sure that police have the discretion to move forward with criminal offences when there are risks to public safety. Furthermore, in August 2020, guidelines issued by the Public Prosecution Service of Canada directed prosecutors to consider alternatives to prosecution for the personal possession of drugs, except in the most serious cases where public safety concerns arise. In 2021, the Government of British Columbia requested the launch of a decriminalization pilot project to help address the overdose crisis in the province. B.C. has asked that we make amendments to its project, and we have granted B.C.'s request to prohibit possession of controlled substances in public spaces. Everyone deserves to feel safe in their communities. Law enforcement also needs to have the tools necessary to address issues of public safety while continuing to take a compassionate and public health approach. From the outset, we have been clear. B.C.'s exemption could and will be adjusted if needed. We will continue to work together and respond to what is actually working on the ground. We will continue working hand in hand with all of our partners, including provincial jurisdictions, law enforcement, indigenous communities, people with lived and living experience, and municipalities across this country every step of the way. There is no universal solution to this crisis. It requires a global response. We are ensuring that Canadians have access to a full range of options to help them access prevention, risk reduction, treatment and recovery services. These are services and support that they need, when and where they need them. It is not one or the other. We need a full continuum of care. Last week, I participated in the travelling study of the Standing Committee on Health on the overdose crisis. Every party was represented, except for the Conservatives, who came for just half a day because the Conservatives refuse to look at the evidence. They are bent on their ideological approach. Budget 2024 announced $150 million over three years to help the municipalities and first nations communities quickly access funding to mobilize efforts, respond to their urgent harm reduction needs and save lives immediately. This government remains committed to addressing substance use and addiction as a health issue. All partners must work together—

529 words

Context: House Hansard - 314 - May/22/24

Mrs. Élisabeth Brière

May/22/24 12:19:46 a.m.
Watch

Madam Speaker, we will continue to work with British Columbia, the other provinces and territories and all of our partners to address specific needs and support public health and safety. Law enforcement partners have been clear. They do not want to arrest people for personal drug possession, but rather they want the necessary tools to address issues of public safety. They support a comprehensive public health approach to addressing substance use harms where they can redirect someone away from the criminal justice system to available and accessible health and social services. Our government's approach to dealing with this crisis is comprehensive and co-operative. It includes measures necessary to save lives, monitor its actions and make any necessary adjustments.

120 words