CANAC RESPONSE to BILL C-65 on SAFE INJECTION SITES
Vancouver, June 6 2013 - The Canadian Association of Nurses in AIDS care (CANAC) is
expressing concern and disappointment that the Federal Government is introducing restrictive legislation to control access to Supervised Consumption Sites which
provide people with chronic addictions a safe, clean and supportive environment, taking drug use off the streets and into clinical settings.
Bill C-65, presented to parliament by Federal Health Minister Linda Aglukkaq, lists numerous conditions that must
be met by a Health Authority before the Minister for Health will provide an exemption under the Controlled Drugs and Substances
Act (CDSA).
Of most to concern to CANAC is the condition of 'broad community support' for new Supervised Injection Sites.
CANAC President, Scott Harrison states; "We know very well how polarized public opinion is about substance use, and this
proviso will mean that community members with limited or no knowledge or experience with supervised consumption sites
will have the opportunity to prevent a service that science and experience demonstrates as being safe, effective
and good for the public health".
CANAC believes that Bill C-65 is a further set back to responsive, socially just health care that is evidence based
and focused on public health. The Federal Government are effectively allowing political ideology to replace scientific evidence
in the treatment of addictions and the social conditions which place vulnerable people in harm's way.
"Whilst CANAC supports community involvement in health care planning and delivery, we should be looking closely
at the real evidence from both science and the experience of communities where these essential facilities already exist.
Here in Vancouver, we have ample evidence from business owners, community members and residents that a safe
injection site is acceptable, warranted and is having a positive impact on the health of the community"
said Harrison. "CANAC is committed to reducing HIV infections, and this Bill makes that work harder."
CANAC calls for more clarification from the government on how community support will be interpreted in decision
making about the creation of Supervised Consumption Sites.
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Source: Canadian Association of Nurses in AIDS Care (CANAC)
Contact:
Scott Harrison, President CANAC, info@canac.org
About the Canadian Association for Nurses in AIDS Care
The Canadian Association of Nurses in AIDS Care (CANAC) is a national professional nursing organization committed to fostering excellence in HIV/AIDS nursing, promoting the health, rights and dignity of persons affected by HIV/AIDS and to preventing the spread of HIV infection.
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