Photo Gallery

2022

Drug User Liberation Front (DULF) and Coalition of Peers Dismantling the Drug War (CPDDW) Safe Supply Rally - April 14

On the six-year anniversary of British Columbia’s declaration of a public health emergency due to drug toxicity-related deaths, members of the Drug User Liberation Front (DULF) and the Coalition of Peers Dismantling the Drug War (CPDDW), along with its supporters, held a march and digital press conference.

According to DULF, a safe supply of heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine was provided free to members of drug user groups across the province to demonstrate the life-saving potential of a community-led response and to highlight the need for alternatives to prohibition and the unregulated drug supply.

The response comes after another 174 lives were lost to illicit drug toxicity in February. Since 2016, the number of deaths caused by a toxic drug supply has more than doubled.

Drug User Liberation Front (DULF) and Coalition of Peers Dismantling the Drug War (CPDDW) held a march and digital press conference on April 14, 2022.

Drug User Liberation Front (DULF) and Coalition of Peers Dismantling the Drug War (CPDDW) Safe Supply Rally

2021

Staff Retreat

CDPC's annual staff retreat was held in Vancouver, British Columbia and brought together team members from Toronto, Winnipeg, and Victoria for the first time since COVID-19 lockdowns began in 2020. For all of us, it was a welcome opportunity to share space and meet in person to surface shared values, sharpen our focus, and chart a path forward with renewed vigour.

Staff retreat, group exercise; Vancouver; 2021

CDPC staff listening to a facilitator during staff retreat

Staff retreat, facilitated session; Vancouver; 2021

Staff retreat, visiting the Downtown Eastside; Vancouver; 2021

CDPC staff seated a table in a restaurant

Staff retreat; Vancouver; 2021

Three members of CDPC staff at a table in discussion during group exercise

Staff retreat; Vancouver; 2021

Four members of CDPC seated at a table during a group exercise

Staff retreat; Vancouver; 2021

Beautiful mountain scene with a shining sun in the centre

Staff retreat; Squamish; 2021

Rocky slope with mountains in the distance

Staff retreat; Squamish; 2021

CDPC staff descending down a rocky slope

Staff retreat, hiking trails in Squamish; 2021

Three members of CDPC staff standing at the entrance to the Chief hike in Squamish

Staff retreat, hiking trails in Squamish; 2021

CAPUD Conference Announcing Lawsuit Against Federal Government - September 1

"In response to the ongoing overdose epidemic that has killed tens of thousands of Canadians. The Canadian Association of People who Use Drugs (CAPUD) is suing the government of Canada to remove the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) penalties (decriminalize) all forms of drug possession and some forms of drug trafficking, in response to the ongoing overdose epidemic in Canada. These criminal penalties create harms for persons who use drugs (PWUDs) and prevent PWUDs from accessing medical treatment and harm reduction." https://drugdecrimcanada.com/

Seated man speaking at a table during a press conference

Paul Choisil speaking at the press conference announcing CAPUD lawsuit against the federal government; Vancouver; 2021

Press conference announcing CAPUD lawsuit against the federal government; Vancouver; 2021

Press conference announcing CAPUD lawsuit against the federal government; Vancouver; 2021

Camera recording four people seated at a table

Natasha Touesnard with the Canadian Association of People Who Use Drugs (CAPUD) speaking at press conference announcing their lawsuit against the federal government; Vancouver; 2021

Four people seated at a table being recorded

Press conference announcing CAPUD lawsuit against the federal government; Vancouver; 2021

International Overdose Awareness Day (Vancouver & Edmonton) - August 31

Across Canada and the world rallies, protests, and memorials echoed the need for drug policy reform. Prohibition as the default tool to address substance use has failed and fuelled a drug poisoning crisis that has killed thousands. This year, major rallies were held in Vancouver, Edmonton, and many other Canadian cities protesting the lack of government action and dire need for policy reform.

People standing at a rally with signs and banners

Community members and supporters at International Overdose Awareness Day rally in Edmonton, Alberta; 2021

Large purple billboard showing faces of those who have died from overdose

Community members and supporters at International Overdose Awareness Day rally in Edmonton, Alberta; 2021