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Decentralized Democracy

House Hansard - 329

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
June 11, 2024 10:00AM
Context: House Hansard - 329 - Jun/11/24
Mrs. Élisabeth Brière
  • Jun/11/24 7:18:53 p.m.
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Madam Speaker, the thing we need to remember is that every person who uses drugs needs to have access to the help that best works for them. By offering a wide range of options, we increase the chances that they will find the one that best meets their needs. Stigmatization may be a barrier to accessing these services. That is why the fight against stigmatization is also a priority for the government. When people who use drugs feel judged, they hesitate to ask for help or to turn to the services that are available. They also hide their drug use. What we are trying to do is adopt policies and programs based on health and compassion to create a society where substance abuse problems are considered a chronic health problem that needs to be treated without judgment. Building pathways away from the criminal justice system and towards health and social services is part of a broader approach across these systems with the goal of reducing harms and saving lives while keeping communities safe.
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