2021 Selected News Highlights
National Observer, July 16: B.C. expands safe supply to curb overdose crisis death toll
CKNW, July 16, (Jill Bennett Show): B.C. expands safe supply across the province
CBC News Network, July 15 (Canada Tonight): British Columbia expands safe supply access to curb fatal overdose
Vancouver Sun, July 15: B.C. to offer Canada's first, permanent safe drug supply in response to overdose crisis
770 CHQR, July 14: B.C. expands safe supply to curb fatal overdoses
Globe and Mail, July 12: B.C. to provide regulated substances under safe supply directive to mitigate drug overdoses
Yukon News, June 16 (GTT): Discussion of overdose crisis in Yukon leaves participants hopeful for future
CBC, June 10 (GTT): Yukon dialogue on opioid crisis wraps up with calls for change
CBC, June 10 (GTT): Harm reduction and drug policy organizations seek solutions to Yukon’s overdose crisis
CBC (On the Coast), June 1: 176 British Columbians lost their lives to toxic drug poisonings in April
CBC, May 11: 'Vancouver Model' of drug decriminalization is deeply flawed, national coalition says
Vancouver Sun, May 11: Coalition says users were shut out of drug decriminalization proposal | 'Vancouver Model' gets panned
Global News, May 11: Concerns about Vancouver’s drug decriminalization model
The Tyee, May 11: Vancouver’s Drug Decriminalization Plan Is a Disaster, Say Advocates
La Presse, May 11: Une coalition demande aux autorités de corriger le tir
Globe and Mail, May 11: Drug user groups and others concerned about Vancouver’s decriminalization plans
Regina Leader Post (op-ed), April 27: Prairie Harm Reduction is saving lives. Denying them funding is the wrong move
Vancouver Sun (op-ed), April 16: Federal government must decriminalize drugs to save lives and protect communities
Victoria Times Colonist, April 15: A mother speaks out amid bid to decriminalize personal drug use in B.C.
Global News, April 14: B.C. marks five years since overdose crisis public health emergency declaration
Tyee, April 14: BC Marks Fifth Anniversary of Overdose Emergency with Decriminalization Plan
SRF News (Germany), April 13: Death from overdose, Canada's other pandemic
900 CHML, March 30: How COVID-19 overshadowed the worst year on record for overdose deaths
National Post, March 29: Canada’s hidden crisis: How COVID-19 overshadowed the worst year on record for overdose deaths
Calgary Herald, March 29: Canada’s hidden crisis: How COVID-19 overshadowed the worst year on record for overdose deaths
Canadian Press, February 23: B.C. advocates say relaxed drug offence penalties not enough amid deadly supply
CFAX (Afternoons with Ryan Price), February 11: Chief coroner announces 1,716 deaths in 2020 due to illicit drugs
CBC (On the Coast), February 11: Record B.C. drug overdose deaths
News Talk 650 CKOM, February 3: Oregon decriminalizing drugs (18:00)
Global News, January 31: COVID-19: Some turning to psychedelic micro-dosing to cope with mental health stress, anxiety
Vancouver Sun, January 30: Cyclist who left Saskatoon on New Year's Day to raise awareness and money for opioid crisis arrives in Vancouver
Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows News, January 30: Stop the Harm: Saskatchewan cyclist riding for a cause passes through Fraser Valley
News 1130, January 27: Vancouver, Health Canada to formally discuss drug decriminalization, mayor says
Castanet, January 23: Cycle to stop the harm
HospitalNews, January: Primary health care providers have a powerful role in overdose crisis (op-ed)
CTV Calgary, January 11: Cycling trip by Saskatchewan man aims to raise awareness of opioid epidemic
Toronto Star, January 9: She’s lost two brothers to opioids. Amid record deaths, she and others are pleading for change
2020 Selected News Highlights
J-Source, December 2 (GTT): Drug policy and addiction media kit gives newsrooms a resource for better coverage of drug use
Toronto Star, November 29: Of course, it’s Vancouver. Why this city is poised to lead Canada’s drug revolution
CTV Vancouver, November 26: Vancouver moves ahead with drug decriminalization
News 1130, November 24: Vancouver drug decriminalization would save lives, says mother of OD victim
CBC (The Early Edition), November 24: Vancouver moving to decriminalize drugs
Global News, November 19: Health officials applaud plan for drug decriminalization in Vancouver
North Shore News, November 18: Vancouver mayor wants federal government to decriminalize simple possession of drugs
CTV, November 18: Vancouver mayor wants simple possession of illicit drugs decriminalized
CHMA, November 18: The overdose crisis remains an “ongoing, serious problem” throughout Canada
Telegraph-Journal, November 17 (GTT): Injection drug users face housing struggles, infection risk: report
Telegraph-Journal, November 17 (GTT): Coalition urges New Brunswick to bring drug policies "into the modern age"
630 CHED, November 12: Oregon decriminalizes drugs
VICE, November 9: The U.S. Election Showed Voters Are Willing to End the War on Drugs
CFAX, October 21: 127 illicit drug overdose deaths in September in the province
News 1130, October 21: 'Policy is the problem': How B.C. political parties say they'll stop overdose deaths
CBC (On the Coast), October 15 (GTT): Yaletown OPS and Getting to Tomorrow (1:28:20)
CKNW (Lynda Steele Show), October 15 (GTT): The debate continues on the Yaletown overdose site
CTV News Channel, October 10 (GTT): Pandemic shines light on opioid crisis
News Talk 770 (CHQR), October 8: The overdoes crisis during COVID-19 and CDPC's dialogue launch
Toronto Sun, September 26: Addiction experts call Throne Speech promises 'shortcoming'
Calgary Herald, September 26: Alberta needs to address toxic drug supply to reduce opioid deaths, say experts
CFAX, September 25: Throne speech didn't address Canada's overdose crisis
CTV Calgary, September 24: Supervised consumption debate sparked again as opioid-related deaths skyrocket in Alberta
770 CHQR, September 24: Throne Speech Fails to Address Overdose Crisis in Canada
CKNW, September 24: Why wasn’t drug crisis mentioned in throne speech?
The Walrus, September 14: The Pandemic is Intensifying the Opioid Crisis
CFAX, September 3: Federal government hesitant about decriminalization of personal drugs
Global News, September 2: Despite record drug deaths amid coronavirus, Trudeau still won’t support decriminalization
National Observer, September 1: BC's call on Ottawa to decriminalize drug possession a "shell game", says advocate
Acadien Nouvelle, August 24: Theresa Tam veut que le Canada reflechisse a decriminaliser les drogues dures
Victoria News, August 23: Talks needed on decriminalizing hard drugs to address opioid crisis, Tam says
Victoria Times Colonist, August 22: Talks needed on decriminalizing hard drugs to address opioid crisis, Tam says
Le Devoir, August 22: Theresa Tam veut que le Canada réfléchisse à décriminaliser les drogues dures
CTV News, August 22: Talks needed on decriminalizing hard drugs to address opioid crisis, Tam says
Global News, August 22: Discussion on decriminalizing drugs should be considered in wake of opioid deaths: Tam
Q107, August 20: New guideline says only serious drug possession offences should be prosecuted
Castanet.net, August 20: Liberals move toward changing drug policy as opioid deaths spike
Washington Post, August 16: Canada’s other health crisis: As overdoses surge, officials call on government to decriminalize illicit drugs
VICE, August 14: This Government Is Defunding One of North America's Busiest Safe Injection Sites
630 CHED (Ryan Jespersen Show), July 23: A Lethbridge safe consumption site has lost its government funding
630 CHED (Afternoons with J'Lyn Nye), July 22: Canada’s police chiefs support decriminalizing drug possession - is change coming?
CFAX (Mornings with Al Ferraby), July 22: Premier Horgan urges prime minister to decriminalize drugs
Capital Current, July 21: Police chiefs urge decriminalization of drug possession; policy experts urge faster, broader reform
Vancouver Sun (op-ed), July 20: Police agree we must fully decriminalize drug possession. And we must do so immediately
Hamilton Spectator, July 17: Decriminalization is a matter of life and death
CFAX (Adam Stirling Show), July 16: June surpasses May as worst month in B.C. overdose deaths
Toronto Star (op-ed), July 16: Decriminalization of drugs in Canada demands bold leadership — now
CBC (The Early Edition), July 13: Continued called to decriminalize drugs in Canada
CKNW (Lynda Steele Show), July 10: The Canadian Drug Policy Coalition reacts to decriminalization news
CFAX (Adam Stirling Show), July 10: Canadian chiefs of police calling for decriminalization of drugs
Global News, July 10: Canada’s police chiefs support decriminalizing drug possession. Is change coming?
Vancouver Sun, July 9: Police chiefs across Canada advocate decriminalization of illicit drugs for personal use
Vancouver Sun, July 3: Vancouver’s drug strategy: It’s time to erect the second pillar — treatment
CKNW (Lynda Steele Show), June 24: The road to a safe supply, and why it matters
BNN Bloomberg (The Takeaway), June 17: Pandemic has hit hard for B.C.'s opioid crisis: Canadian Drug Policy Coalition
CBC (The Current), June 15: Overdose deaths rise in the pandemic (50:25)
Orangeville Banner (Orangeville, ON), June 12: Fuelled by toxic drugs and COVID-19 isolation, a record number of B.C. overdoses puts spotlight on safe-supply efforts
Our Windsor (Ontario), June 12: Fuelled by toxic drugs and COVID-19 isolation, a record number of B.C. overdoses puts spotlight on safe-supply efforts
Toronto Star (Vancouver), June 12: Fuelled by toxic drugs and COVID-19 isolation, a record number of B.C. overdoses puts spotlight on safe-supply efforts
New Hamburg Independent, June 12: Fuelled by toxic drugs and COVID-19 isolation, a record number of B.C. overdoses puts spotlight on safe-supply efforts
CKNW, June 12: BC records highest number of fatal overdoses in a single month
CityNews Vancouver, June 11: 'These are our brothers and sisters': B.C.'s top doctor renews call for decriminalization of drug use
Global News, June 11: B.C. records highest ever number of opioid deaths in May
Globe and Mail, June 11: B.C. records its deadliest month for illicit drug overdoses in May
Ricochet, May 28: Drug decriminalization is a ‘no-brainer’ during COVID-19, say advocates
CBC, May 9: La pandémie de la COVID-19 accroît le nombre de surdoses
wiki.ezvid.com, April 21: Five Organizations working to change drug policies worldwide
Co-op Radio, April 1: Safe supply in the Downtown Eastside during the time of COVID-19
Vancouver Courier, March 27, ‘Safe supply’ of drugs good news in Vancouver, but is it only here for the pandemic?
CKNW (Simi Sara Show), March 27, Protecting Residents of the DTES During the COVID-19 Crisis
Red Deer Advocate, March 27, Preventing more overdoses by opening Red Deer’s SCS would reduce strain on system during COVID-19, says advocate
Globe and Mail, March 27, COVID-19 pandemic pushes B.C. to move forward on safe take-home drug supply strategy
Vancouver Sun, March 27, COVID-19: Safe-drug supplies part of package as Vancouver addresses Downtown Eastside
CTV, February 24, Overdose crisis: Nearly 3 people per day died last year in B.C.
CFAX, February 24, Illict drug toxicity deaths down in B.C., February 24
2019 Selected News Highlights
CBC (Cross Country Checkup), December 13, Homelessness, substance use, and social determinants of health (1:06:30)
Georgia Straight, November 25, B.C. NDP members contradict the NDP solicitor general with unanimous push to decriminalize drugs
CKNW (Lynda Steele Show), November 22, What do we need to do to curb the opioid crisis?
Globe and Mail, November 22, B.C. NDP members criticize their own party’s lack of action on drug harm-reduction
Hamilton Spectator, October 26, Churn of possession charges in Hamilton makes case for truce in ‘war on drugs’
Chemainus Valley Courier, October 23, Feds decriminalizing drugs possible if Jagmeet Singh pushes for it, expert says
Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows News, October 23, Feds decriminalizing drugs possible if Jagmeet Singh pushes for it, expert says
Surrey-Now Leader, October 23, Feds decriminalizing drugs possible if Jagmeet Singh pushes for it, expert says
Campbell River Mirror, October 23, Feds decriminalizing drugs possible if Jagmeet Singh pushes for it, expert says
Abbotsford News, October 23, Feds decriminalizing drugs possible if Jagmeet Singh pushes for it, expert says
Tofino-Ucluelet Westerly, October 23, Feds decriminalizing drugs possible if Jagmeet Singh pushes for it, expert says
630 CHED, October 22, How could last night’s election outcome affect federal drug policy and the ongoing overdose/drug use crisis in Canada?
CBC, October 21, Vancouver councillor calls for review of city's drug strategy
Georgia Straight, October 21, Vancouver's former drug czar says it's time to review policies he drafted, with an eye on something more radical
CKNW, October 16, What should the next federal government do to mitigate the effects of the opioid crisis
630 CHED, October 15, Left behind: leaders talking about opioids?
CBC, October 5, Why the opioid crisis isn't a bigger federal election issue
Star Vancouver, October 4, Donald MacPherson: Toxic drugs are a crisis. If B.C. and other provinces don’t act, they’ll have to answer for the lives lost
Star Vancouver, October 4, ‘On their watch, people continue to die’: Donald MacPherson on why B.C. needs to act on a safe drug supply
The Globe and Mail, August 31 (op-ed): It’s time for Canada to embrace the legal regulation of drugs
The Guardian, August 20, Priorities and plans ready to quell opioid addiction in Atlantic Canada
Globe and Mail (via CP), August 20, Health Canada approves Saskatchewan’s first supervised drug consumption site
Calgary Herald, August 19, Lethbridge city council to debate motion calling for halt to supervised consumption funding
VICE, August 19, Canada Might Have Found a Back Door to End the War on Drugs
CBC, August 17, How did we get here? Failed public policy and Vancouver's Downtown Eastside
CBC (The Early Edition), August 13, Director of the Canadian Drug Policy Coalition Donald McPherson speaks with Stephen Quinn
Vancouver Sun, August 5, 'I’ll keep yelling': Vancouver mayor demands federal, provincial policy change on opioids
Global News, August 4, ‘Not in My Backyard’: How NIMBYism impacts access to vital support services
National Post, August 1, Canada begins issuing pardons for cannabis possession convictions
Reuters, August 1, Canada begins issuing pardons for cannabis possession convictions
CFAX (Adam Stirling Show), July 26, VHC report on overdose crisis
CKNW (Lynda Steele Show), July 26, VCH releases annual report on overdose crisis
News1130, July 26, Regulate drugs to save lives, B.C. doctor says, as fentanyl detected in 87% of ODs (Radio version)
Global and Mail, July 26, BC doctor calls for illicit drug regulation to save lives
CBC , July 26, Regulated drug supply, streamlined services recommended as next steps in fighting overdose crisis
Global News, July 26, Metro Vancouver’s top doctor calls for safe drug supply
Vancouver Sun, July 26, Provide regulated opioids to stem fentanyl overdose crisis, says top medical officer
Globe and Mail, July 22, Vancouver’s overdose task force calls for safer supply of drugs
Toronto Star, June 29, New Trudeau-Trump opioid plan helps rebuild frayed relations from trade talks
Kamloops Matters, June 29, New Trudeau-Trump opioid plan helps rebuild frayed relations from trade talks
Global News, June 29, Canada-U.S. opioid plan helps rebuild relations frayed from trade talks
Vancouver Sun, June 29, New Trudeau-Trump opioid plan helps rebuild frayed relations from trade talks
Globe and Mail, June 29, New Canada-U.S. opioid plan to help rebuild frayed relations from trade talks
Huffington Post, June 29, Trudeau And Trump Are Working Together To Tackle The Opioid Crisis In North America
VICE, June 26, Canadians Can Now Order Shrooms From This Dispensary
Vancouver Sun, June 22, Advocate for evidence-based approaches to substance use and addiction honoured with lifetime achievement award
London Free Press, June 21, London doctor prescribing opioids to drug users draws praise, raises concerns
Georgia Straight (Op-ed), June 21, We can stop the overdose epidemic—why aren’t we?
Globe and Mail, June 12, Parliamentary health committee recommends decriminalization of simple possession of illicit substances
QP Briefing, May 30, As Ontario hops on BC's opioid lawsuit, experts say more needs to be done to fight the crisis
CKNW (Lynda Steele Show), May 27, Growing calls to overhaul the drug policy in Canada. Should we legalize all drugs?
VICE, May 22, How to legalize every drug
CBC, May 16, 'Safe supply' at heart of regulating illicit drug use, say experts
CBC (The Early Edition), May 15, Building a model for legal regulation and Peter Wall International Research Roundtable public event (2:12:14)
Global News, May 13, Small communities grapple with ‘huge challenge’ of opioid crisis
Sault Star, May 13, Opioid overdoses challenge small towns
National Post, May 13, Small communities grapple with 'huge challenge' of opioid crisis
CKNW, May 13, Peter Wall International Research Rountable and legal regulation of drugs (Zara Snapp, Steve Rolles)
CFAX (Afternoons with Mark Brennae), April 24, Dr. Bonnie Henry report recommending decriminalization of substance use
CityNews Vancouver, April 24, B.C. top doctor's drug decriminalization report good first step: advocates
CBC, April 24 (6:00 p.m. newscast), Dr. Bonnie Henry report recommending decriminalization of substance use (lead story)
CBC, April 16 (6:00 p.m. newscast), Vancouver's National Day of Action on the Overdose Crisis and the need for safe supply (10:20 in)
NewsTalk 770 CHQR (Calgary Today), April 11, provincial overdose response efforts
CTV, April 10, CTV News Channel interview on the latest overdose statistics released by the Public Health Agency of Canada
Edmonton Journal, April 8, Time to change approach on opioid crisis, says public health experts
680 CHED (Ryan Jespersen Show), April 1, Underlying causes & Potential solutions to the opioid crisis
2018 Selected News Highlights
Metro Vancouver, February 26, Drug reformers watch federal budget for opioid crisis action
Simi Sara Show, March 7, Should all drugs be legalized ?
Globe and Mail, March 28, Vancouver mayor calls for drug decriminalization after record year for opioid overdoses .
Spice Radio, May 14, interview with Scott Bernstein, Director of Policy, on overdose statistics and legal regulation of drugs.
The Georgia Straight, May 16, Young Canadians continue facing discrimination in their personal use of cannabis .
Star Vancouver, July 5, Canadian cannabis workers targeted by U.S. border guards for lifetime bans .
Toronto Star, Sept 13, Canadians who smoke marijuana legally, or work or invest in the industry, will be barred from the U.S.: Customs and Border Protection official .
Global New, October 4, Could more drugs become decriminalized ?
Globe and Mail, October 18, Feds defend barring edible cannabis for a year as black market eyes gaps .
2017 Selected News Highlights
VICE. July 12, A Hostile Environment for People Who Use Drugs is Harmful for Everyone.
Ryerson University, May 24, Frontline Fentanyl: Users helping users (documentary)
CBC, The Disruptor Series with Anna Maria Tremonti. April 25, Drug controls 'absolutely pathetic,' activist says regulation will save lives
This Week on Drugs, April 24, Legalizing Canada (at 40:00)
Global News. April 14, Budding Cannabis Legalization presents Challenges and Opportunities for BC
MetroNews March 24, Opioid crisis requires trying 'everything': Expert on prescribed heroin
Georgia Straight, March 11, Legal Heroin
CBC, February 16, Vancouver hosting national meeting on how to open more supervised consumption sites.
Globe and Mail, February 10, Beyond Harm Reduction
CBC (op-ed) February 1, And the Band Played On: Overdoses, death and a resistance to change
The Tyee, January 26, An Urgent Call on Overdose Crisis: Prescribe Drugs, End Prohibition
Georgia Straight. January 31, Vancouver's frontline fentanyl responders make the case for legalization in private meeting with Trudaeu.
Globe and Mail. January 5, Vancouver street dealer seen more as a symptom than problem of overdose crisis
2016 Selected News Highlights
CBC: BC Alamac. December 29, 2016. "Legalizing drugs beyond pot. Gardener Brisn Minter. "
CBC News. November 26, 2016 "Are politicians too disconnected from the reality of drug abuse to solve the opioid crisis? " by Ferrah Merali
The Georgia Straight. September 28, 2016. "Addictions experts Dr. Gabor Mate and Donald MacPherson to speak at upcoming marijuana conference in Vancouver " by Travis Lupick
McLeans. August 31, 2016. "Controls on Fentanyl chemicals not enough to avert crisis: expert " by Camille Bains
The Georgia Straight. August 9, 2016. "Drug policy groups urge task force to endorse retail pot shops and not be swayed by media hysteria " by Charlie Smith
Daily Mail Online (UK). August 2, 2016. "Right groups call on UN to condemm Philippine drug killings "
The Province. June 20, 2016. "A radical proposal for B.C.s battle against fentanyl " by Nick Eagland
National Post. June 17, 2016. "'We had nothing to lose': How Portugal solved its 'catastrophic' drug woes through decriminalization " by Tom Blackwell
CBC News. May 16, 2016. "Medical pot producer fund sober driving campaign "
The Vancouver Sun. April 27, 2016. "The long slow retreat in the war on drugs " by Pete McMartin
CBC News. April 19, 2016. "UN meeting could be 1st step to ending global war on drugs " by Lucas Powers
NY Times. March 22, 2016. "Itchica's Anti-Heroin Plan: Open a Site to Shoot Heroin " by Lisa Forderaro
2015 Selected News Highlights
2014 - 2011 Selected News Highlights & Press Releases
National Post. October 22, 2014 "Canada is ignoring easy uncontroversial ways to prevent overdose deaths " by Donald MacPherson
The Winnipeg Free Press. September 22, 2014 "Drug policy seriously outdated " by Richard Elliott and Donald MacPherson
The Tyee. September 5, 2014 "Vancouver's Addiction Ambitions, Revisited " by Gordon Katic and Sam Fenn
National Post. August 20, 2014 "Preventing music festival drug deaths must go beyond saying just say no " by Donald MacPherson
The Rick Howe Show. June 19, 2014. "Amy Graves comments on the Canadian Drug Policy Coalition report on opiate overdoses "
Huffington Post. June 18, 2014. "Opiate overdose deaths in Canada Rising "
06/16/2014 – Opioid overdose prevention & response in Canada
The Georgia Straight. June 11, 2014. "Vancouver Coastal Health reveals plan to expand supervised injection services in city " by Travis Lupick
CTV News. June 14, 2014. "Canada urged to expand use of naloxone to counter opiate overdoses "
National Post. April 28, 2014. "A Gift to the Drug Kingpins " by Donald MacPherson
Huffington Post. April 5, 2014. "The Berlin Theory of Drug Prohibition " by Jean Kavanagh
10/17/2013 – Federal Health Minister re-introduced a bill whose sole purpose and intent is to block access to health services
09/30/2013 – Second anniversary of Supreme Court ruling in support of Insite
09/23/2013 – Special Access Requests and Permanent HAT programs
Calgary Herald: Report calls for decriminalizing both ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ drug National Post: Canadian Drug Policy Coalition recommends decriminalizing hard drugs CBC Radio: Decriminalizing Drugs The Province: Harper government to stay tough on drugs 05/17/2013 – Organization of American States presents a vision for drug policy reform
01/24/2013 – Senator Pierre Claude Nolin Honours Drug Policy Leaders with Diamond Jubilee Award
01/16/2013 – CDPC Executive Director Heads to Panama to Create Alternative Scenarios for Drug Policy in the Hemisphere
07/12/2012 – Punitive drug laws are stifling the global HIV/AIDS response.
Français – Les lois punitives sur les drogues étouffent la réponse mondiale au VIH/sida.
06/26/2012 – Coalition urges Canadian government to acknowledge link between drug laws and HIV
04/19/2012 – National dialogue addresses integration of supervised injection services into health care and community in Canada
Français – Échange de connaissances sur l’intégration des services d’injection supervisée dans les soins de santé et dans la communauté : un dialogue s’amorce
04/11/2012 – Coalition calls on Canadian government to work closely with Latin American countries to reform drug policy at Summit of the Americas
02/09/2012 – Leading experts in drug policy call on government to reject Bill C-10, rethink Canada’s drug laws
Français – Les experts des politiques sur les drogues demandent au gouvernement de rejeter le projet de loi C-10 et de revoir les lois canadiennes sur les drogues
11/29/2011 – New Coalition calls for a public health approach to alcohol, tobacco and drug controls
Chinese – 新聯盟呼籲控制酒精、煙草和毒品的公眾健康方法
Français – Une nouvelle Coalition réclame une approche de santé publique pour le contrôle de l’alcool, du tabac et des drogues
11/29/2011 – New national drug policy coalition receives key endorsements
