Addiction

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by Maddi Dellplain

How health care works in Canada: What to know ahead of the federal election

With voters heading to the polls on April 28, we figured it’s time for a refresher on how health policy is made and where the parties stand.
by Elaine Hu

No physician should be punished for advocating for life-saving services during the toxic drug crisis

As a young doctor-in-training, I feel obligated to speak out against Island Health's unethical treatment of Jessica Wilder.
by Emily Gwun-Shun Lennon

End of substance use and addiction program funding ‘very, very short-sighted’

On March 31, the federal funding for 22 safer supply initiatives across the country expired. Unless provinces step in, many patients will be left with few options.

by Maddi Dellplain

Health care and the Canadian election: What experts are hoping to hear

Canadian health-care leaders will be listening closely to what our federal politicians have to say on the campaign trail. This is what they hope to hear from candidates this election.
by Jacob Bailey

The Czardom of Kevin Brosseau, first of his name 

In a (failed) attempt to avoid tariffs, the Canadian government agreed last month to invest heavily in border security. Who is the man tasked with securing the border? Newly appointed Fentanyl Czar and former Mountie, Kevin Brosseau.

by Emily Gwun-Shun Lennon

Guelph braces for ‘devastating impacts’ as supervised consumption site set to close

As Guelph’s only supervised consumption site prepares to close March 31, advocates warn people will die and the surrounding community will suffer.
by Maddi Dellplain

Charity fills the gap in pet fostering services for struggling community members in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside

For The Homies - Downtown Eastside Pet Support Society is a new grassroots organization offering much-needed pet fostering and other pet services for community members and their furry friends.
by Elliott Brierley Dina Shenouda

‘We do not need compassionate care: We need a country that cares with compassion’

Conservative politicians have pushed for involuntary treatment, often termed "compassionate care." While compassionate care seems like the easiest answer, the policy is problematic.

by John Oyston

In praise of ‘dual users’

As physicians our goal should be to reduce death, disease and disability, not to tell other people how to live their lives. Dual users deserve our praise and encouragement.
by Marvin Ross

From hospitals to encampments – the devolution of mental illness care in Canada

Solutions to the mental health and homelessness crises are not easy. It will take years to improve it. But if we want to call ourselves a civilized compassionate country, we have to do it.
by Maddi Dellplain

‘A plan to make a plan’: Experts speak out on B.C.’s involuntary care proposal

As B.C.'s provincial election looms near, Premier David Eby floats plans to expand involuntary care. Experts weigh in on the announcement.

by Suzanne Shoush

CMA’s apology to Indigenous Peoples rings hollow

Sept. 30 marks our National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The CMA can only play a role in healing wounds if it openly reflects on what continuously harms Indigenous people so specifically and systemically in this country.
by Carolyn Oliver Hannah Stahl Mish Waraksa

Safe consumption sites and HART should go hand in hand

As health-care providers for people who use drugs in Ontario, we know that the decision to close safe consumption sites goes against current research and knowledge of best clinical practice.
by Maddi Dellplain

Drug decriminalization did not increase overdose deaths, analysis shows

As policymakers in Canada backtrack on decriminalization measures, a news study finds that drug decriminalization in Oregon did not cause an increase in overdose mortality.
by Leigh Chapman

Nursing is harm reduction: Providing care in the midst of our overdose crisis

"In the face of Canada’s overdose crisis, I see harm reduction as a fundamental aspect of nursing practice – it is a necessity, in addition to treatment and prevention."
by Alykhan Abdulla

We have lost our way in Ontario

Ontario's government has pursued a "populist" agenda, focusing on privatization, deregulation and profit-driven models. These have had devastating effects on health care and public safety.

by Maddi Dellplain

Telegraph hit job a prime example of how not to report on drug policy

The Telegraph story depicts Vancouver's Downtown Eastside in a way that maximizes the harm done to their most vulnerable sources. But as journalists, we don't need to punch down to do our jobs.
by Neeloufar Grami

Staying ahead of the curve – fentanyl, xylazine and the growing syndemic

Xylazine and other contaminants have made their way into the illicit drug supply complicating overdose response. We cannot afford to sit back and watch what happens.

by Maddi Dellplain

Vaping: A valuable harm reduction tool or a public health concern? Experts weigh in

What is Canada to do about e-cigarettes? Does vaping pose a legitimate public health threat or is it a far safer alternative for those who would otherwise be vulnerable to the known harms of cigarettes?
by Maddi Dellplain

Involuntary drug treatment: ‘Compassionate intervention’ or policy dead end?

Involuntary treatment for substance use is being proposed as a solution to the toxic drug supply crisis in provinces across the country. But do programs like this work?

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