Harm reduction & Safe supply

Three years after its first‐​in‐​the‐​nation drug decriminalization measure (Measure 110) went into effect, Oregon’s lawmakers are poised to re‐​criminalize possessing and using drugs. Lawmakers note that Oregon’s overdose rate has risen dramatically and exceeded the national average since Measure 110 took effect in 2021.

Among those not placed, the encampment clearing tended to exacerbate health and safety concerns, especially those related to mental health conditions and risk for violence.

Harm reduction workers in Ottawa say animal tranquilizers in the city's street drug supply are putting users at even greater risk of severe harm.

A survey by the Kingston region's public health unit found 63 per cent of respondents would support decriminalizing drugs, with some concerns over the potential community impact.

Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox & Addington (KFL&A) Public Health surveyed more than 1,800 people who live or work there to gauge community support for a decriminalization policy, which in Canada exists only in British Columbia.