By Jen St. Denis, The Tyee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
A Vancouver city councillor is urging residents to separate legitimate concerns about public safety in the city’s downtown from attacks on harm reduction services that provide clean needles and a safe drug supply in the midst of a deadly overdose crisis.
Continue reading Stop Attacking drug harm reduction servicesIt has been a week since B.C.’s chief coroner, Lisa Lapointe, said, “The number of people dying in B.C. due to an unsafe drug supply continues to surpass deaths due to homicides, motor vehicle accidents, suicide and COVID-19 combined.”
Continue reading Overdose FatalitiesNational Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
B.C.’s death toll from toxic street drugs continues to skyrocket during the pandemic, with 175 people dead from overdoses in July.
Continue reading Death Toll from toxic street drugs SkyrocketingBy Jen St. Denis, The Tyee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
A beloved older sister. A friend who loved listening to Steve Earle. A quiet brother-in-law who was always reading.
More than 100 people gathered at Oppenheimer Park in the Downtown Eastside Saturday to remember family and friends who died in recent months, when COVID-19 precautions have prevented gatherings to remember lost loved ones.
Continue reading Remembering Lives Lost in the Downtown EastsideBy Jen St. Denis, The Tyee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Strathcona Park tent city supporters, neighbourhood residents and a Downtown Eastside community activist are pleading with governments to create a sanctioned camp for unhoused people.
Continue reading Will Vancouver create a sanctioned camp for unhoused people
