On September 20, 2021, Canada will elect our next federal government. Action Hepatitis Canada is joining our many allies to call for reformed drug policy and increased access to harm reduction services for all people in Canada, including people in prison: two large barriers to the elimination of viral hepatitis and the health and human rights of people who use drugs and people who are incarcerated.
#CanadaCantWait
Federal Focus
In our 2021 Progress Report, we highlighted 5 recommendations to the federal government. However, knowing viral hepatitis itself will not be a top election issue, we have chosen to focus on the broader health and human rights issues of drug decriminalization and the scaling up of harm reduction, key components of viral hepatitis prevention and elimination.
Specifically, we're asking for #SafeSupply, decriminalization of drug possession for personal use, support for prison-based needle and syringe programs, and an increase in #HarmReduction funding.
In our 2021 Progress Report, we highlighted 5 recommendations to the federal government. However, knowing viral hepatitis itself will not be a top election issue, we have chosen to focus on the broader health and human rights issues of drug decriminalization and the scaling up of harm reduction, key components of viral hepatitis prevention and elimination.
Specifically, we're asking for #SafeSupply, decriminalization of drug possession for personal use, support for prison-based needle and syringe programs, and an increase in #HarmReduction funding.
We have signed on to this joint press release from multiple health and human rights organizations, listing priorities for this federal election. Without addressing these priority issues, we will not end the HIV and hepatitis C epidemics, nor will we stop the drug poisoning crisis in Canada. These public health crises require firm, fully funded commitments and genuine leadership from our federal parties.
TAKE ACTION
Share our Hep Can't Wait #Elxn44 social media content
- Share one of the images below on social media and include a message with it that will resonate with your audience.
- You can also follow us on Twitter at @actionhepcanada and retweet our #Elxn44 content.
- Use one or more of the hashtags #Elxn44, #DecrimDoneRight, #DrugDecrimCanada, #SafeSupply, and consider tagging the federal candidates.
|
|
|
We're also linking to federal election resources from other organizations calling for drug policy reform.
If you would like to have your resources featured here, email [email protected].
|
The HIV Legal Network has social media graphics to share, focused on drug decriminalization. They have also sent a questionnaire to all federal party leaders and there is an open letter that organizations and individuals can sign on to. |
|
The Canadian Association of People Using Drugs (CAPUD) is suing the Canadian Government to to remove criminal penalties on drug use. Their new website may have some resources you find helpful to advocate for decriminalization.
|
|
Moms Stop The Harm have put out a #CanadaVotes2021 report card based on party platforms, statements and media articles. |