This tragedy highlights the failure of policies that criminalize and stigmatize people who use drugs, as well as the ineffectiveness of current approaches in reducing the use of these substances. Although legislative changes have been introduced in Canada, initiatives remain fragmented and are not reflected in policies or the concrete practices of health systems.
In this episode, we explore how the decriminalization of drugs can save lives while allowing people who use psychoactive substances to exercise their fundamental rights, including the right to self-determination and to better health.
We will also discuss the importance of supporting adapted health services that truly reduce risks and harms, as well as destigmatizing people to make decriminalization policies more effective and humane.
Guests:
- Dr. David-Martin Milot, public health and preventive medicine specialist, President of Doctors of the World Canada
- Alexandra Martin, peer support worker at Dopamine
- Martin Pagé, Executive Director of Dopamine
A go-script média production.
Producer: Stéphane Berthomet
Host: Pierre Craig
Director: Bruno Guglielminetti
Research: Annabelle Tas