Time to act on harm reduction promises: Open Letter to the Liberal Party of Canada

Drug policy is at a critical juncture in Canada, and we need our elected representatives to put even greater emphasis on public health objectives and outcomes, respecting human rights for all. Welcome steps have been taken on this front following the 2015 election, including restoring harm reduction as a key pillar of Canada’s drug strategy, and moving to legalize and regulate cannabis. But in 2016, nearly 3,000 Canadians died from opioid-related causes; in 2017, that number grew and will continue to rise without a significant change in course.