Tag Archives: Moms Stop the Harm

Health

Canada’s billion-dollar border gamble won’t end the drug crisis

Editor’s note: Approximately 0.2% of fentany entering the UnIted States comes from Canada (10 pounds in 2024), the rest comes from Mexico. 98.5% of the US border patrol’s encounters with migrants are on the US-Mexican border – gleaned from a CNN report using US Government sources.

By Richard Young Megaphone Magazine, Local Journalism Initiative

In response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat of heavy tariffs, Canada has appointed former RCMP deputy commissioner Kevin Brosseau as the country’s first “fentanyl czar.” 

This role, created to address concerns over fentanyl trafficking across the northern border, aims to ease tensions and avert a potential trade war.

In a statement about the appointment, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Brosseau is being asked to work closely with U.S. counterparts and law enforcement agencies to “accelerate Canada’s efforts to detect, disrupt and dismantle the fentanyl trade.”

The idea that fentanyl is being manufactured on such a large scale right here in the province of B.C., considering the volume of it, is a surprise to many communities. There has been an assumption that the deadly drug was primarily coming from China and Mexico.

Continue reading Canada’s billion-dollar border gamble won’t end the drug crisis →
Housing, Poverty

After 13 Fatalities: Victoria housing advocates and residents pull no punches with City council

By Sidney Coles, Capital Daily, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Things got heated between community housing advocates, unhoused residents, and Victoria City Council last Thursday night. For members of the public who presented at the Dec. 12 meeting, it was an opportunity to express their anger, frustration, and deep sorrow in the face of the deaths of several of their friends and chosen family in recent weeks. Their grief and anger were palpable. And they were righteous.

Continue reading After 13 Fatalities: Victoria housing advocates and residents pull no punches with City council →
Health

‘We are losing a whole generation of Canadians’: Bill to curb toxic drug deaths defeated

National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The grieving moms who headed to Ottawa Wednesday to urge federal MPs of all stripes to support an NDP bill designed to tackle the deadly toxic drug crisis found their pleas fell on deaf ears. 

Most Liberal MPs, and Conservative members without exception, voted against Bill C-216 to decriminalize the simple possession of illegal drugs nationally and shape a federal strategy for safer alternatives to poisoned street supply.

Continue reading ‘We are losing a whole generation of Canadians’: Bill to curb toxic drug deaths defeated →
Health

Canada’s drug policy — not drugs — is killing people at record numbers, advocates say

National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

It’s mind-boggling communities across Canada must still organize for an annual awareness day to draw public and policymakers’ attention to poisoned street drugs and an ongoing health crisis that has killed more than 21,000 people in just five years, advocates say.

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Health

worst year on record for drug overdoses: 1,716 deaths

National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Where’s the plan?

That was the dominant question asked Thursday as B.C.’s chief coroner Lisa Lapointe announced 1,716 people died from toxic street drugs in 2020, marking the worst year on record for the province.

Continue reading worst year on record for drug overdoses: 1,716 deaths →