The Conservative government today announced its anti-drug strategy, which focuses on cracking down on drug possession, production and trafficking, and retreating from harm reduction measures that help Canadians, such as the safe injection site in Vancouver.
· The Conservative government’s new anti-drug strategy lacks the balanced approach needed to lower crime, reduce addiction and drug abuse and protect public health.
· The Liberal Party supports a balanced response to substance abuse and drug addiction, which includes prevention, treatment, enforcement, and harm reduction measures.
· This is why, for example, we initiated the InSite safe injection site pilot project in Vancouver in 2003, and provided $500,000 a year to support the project, and it’s why we enhanced security at Canada’s borders to impede the flow of illicit drugs.
· It’s also why Stéphane Dion has committed to continuing this balanced tradition with new money for 400 additional RCMP officers to help local police departments deal with crime, including gang-related activity and drug trafficking. He has also committed to working with the provinces to provide long-term sustainable funding for community police.
· We would also fully back the safe injection site, which is a prime example of how harm-reduction and treatment measures can protect the safety and well-being of Canadians at large.
· Despite scientific evidence and overwhelming public support, Prime Minister Harper and Health Minister Tony Clement have put the safe injection site on life support by only extending its license for another six months and refusing to fund it.
· Canadians need a government that will put their needs above its ideological vision for Canada – something this government seems incapable of doing.
· It is time this government began investing in what yields the best results, and take a balanced approach to drug addiction and enforcement.
BACKGROUND
· The Liberal Party does not believe that enforcement measures alone are an effective means to combat substance abuse.
· Scientific research shows that these harm reduction measures help to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS in communities, decrease the rate of crime, reduce public drug use, diminish discarded drug paraphernalia on our streets, and increase the likelihood of recovery.
· As a result of InSite, today there is less crime in the Downtown Eastside area, less public drug use, and a lowered risk of HIV infection.
· The Liberal Party would like to see continued support for the site and its success replicated in other regions across the country.
· The Liberal Party will continue to encourage and support all levels of government, law enforcement agencies, and professional associations to reduce the harm associated with substance abuse.
