Criminal activity and drug trafficking. Distressingly, those are dominant discussion points at this week’s annual UN drug policy conference – the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND). As…
World Aids Day 2013: If our goal is zero, drug policy reform is crucial
Zero New HIV Infections. Zero Discrimination and Zero AIDS-related deaths. That is the goal set by UNAIDS over the next two years. But when it comes to stopping…
Lifesaving Heroin Assisted Treatment Dealt Serious Blow
By Connie Carter and Susan Boyd On October 3, 2013, federal Health Minister Rona Ambrose announced new regulations that became effective immediately to prevent Health Canada’s Special…
The Harm Reduction debate: Political Expedience vs Progress
On June 24th, the Urban Health Research Institute released a report on 15 years of data on drug use in the city of Vancouver. The results of…
The Evidence Enigma: Correctional Boot Camps and Other Failures in Evidence-Based Policymaking
Book review: The Evidence Enigma: Correctional Boot Camps and Other Failures in Evidence-Based Policymaking, Tiffany Bergin, (Ashgate, 2013), 213 pages. Why do policy makers adopt policies for which…
Safer Consumption Services – Plans are Underway for More Than Two
Several cities in Canada are planning for the implementation of safer consumption services in their communities. That was the conclusion of the speakers at a lively event…
Aboriginal people in Canada will bear the brunt of Mandatory Minimum Sentences for Drug Crimes
In early April, the BC Provincial Health Officer released a report that warns that recent changes to sentencing and other justice practices brought about by the enactment…
Sometimes Violations of International Law Are Cause for Celebration
The United States is again in violation of international law. That is a strong statement and one that reminds us of the invasion of Iraq, Guantanamo bay,…
SALOME Participants Need An Exit Strategy
The SALOME study (Study to Assess Longer-term Opioid Medication Effectiveness), is a clinical trial being conducted in Vancouver, BC. The study compares the effectiveness of six months…
