Greens Reiterate Call for a National Public Health Emergency Due to Toxic Drug Crisis
OTTAWA – The Green Party of Canada is calling on federal minister Yaara Saks to intervene and call a national public health emergency, due to the polycrises of the toxic drug crisis and homelessness.
With the winter months rapidly approaching, vulnerable populations depend on front line services more than ever. It is unconscionable that we allow people to die in hospital bathrooms while the toxic drug crisis continues unabated. According to a recent article by The Tyee in BC, due to over policing and underfunding, the situation has gotten so bad that doctors are volunteering their time at unsanctioned SCS just so their patients don’t die.
On top of that, Edmonton has seen four more deaths due to homelessness in the past 2 weeks, after last year’s winter in which frostbite reports skyrocketed. It’s clear by now that provinces and municipalities are either ill-equipped or unwilling to meet the challenges that Canadians need in order to save lives. Over 16,000 people in Canada have died in the toxic drug crisis, and tens of thousands more have died from a lack of access to housing.
“It is unconscionable to continue with piecemeal solutions,” said Elizabeth May. “We need a coordinated national response that prioritizes the lives of those most at risk. Minister Saks must declare a national public health emergency now. The time for half-measures has long passed—lives are at stake, and Canadians deserve better.”
Organizations like Moms Stop the Harm, and Doctors For Safer Drug Policy have repeatedly called for all levels of government to work together to effectively legislate evidence based harm reduction services. The Green Party of Canada joins them in this call to action to stop the deaths.
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For more information or to arrange an interview :
Fabrice Lachance Nové
Press secretary
514-463-0021