This program was funded by a grant from the Community Radio Fund of Canada and the Government of Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative.
A new report from the BC coroners service states that, as of the end of November, there were 153 suspected illicit drug overdose deaths.
The province is on the threshold of setting a new record.
Continue reading Campbell River: Illicit drug overdose deathsBy Jen St. Denis, The Tyee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Vancouver’s council made history this week by asking the federal government for an exemption from Canadian drug laws to decriminalize possession of drugs for personal use.
Council voted on the motion the same day the BC Coroners Service reported 1,386 people have died so far this year of an overdose, with deaths increasing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Continue reading Vancouver asks for an exemption from Canadian drug lawsBy Sam Dharmasena, CJRU 1280 AM – Ryerson University’s campus and community multi-media hub, Local Journalism Initiative.
Supporting Our Unhoused Neighbours is a recently-launched fundraising campaign by social venture Building Roots and the volunteers of Encampment Support Network (ESN). CJRU spoke with Building Roots’ outreach coordinator Hannah Backman about their campaign, the interlocking nature of food insecurity and other social disparities, and how they’re responding to the pandemic.
Continue reading Toronto: supporting our unhoused neighbours campaignBy Moira Wyton, The Tyee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
People who use drugs and harm reduction advocates were celebrating as Vancouver’s first indoor overdose prevention site outside the Downtown Eastside was approved in a seven-to-four vote by city council Tuesday.
Continue reading Vancouver’s first indoor overdose prevention site outside the EastsideBy Moira Wyton, The Tyee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
A Vancouver city council meeting Tuesday on a proposed overdose prevention site near upscale condos and apartments in the Yaletown neighbourhood highlighted deep divides over the response to the deadly overdose crisis.
Continue reading Heated exchange over Response to Vancouver’s overdose crisis
