Pubdate: Thu, 22 May 2008
Source: Victoria Times-Colonist (CN BC)
Copyright: 2008 Times Colonist
Contact: http://www.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/letters.html
Website: http://www.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/481
Author: Cindy E. Harnett, Times Colonist
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topic/Insite (Insite)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?142 (Supervised Injection Sites)

DRUG-INJECTION PLAN COMATOSE IN VICTORIA

Plans are at a standstill for a supervised injection site in Victoria 
despite the enthusiastic support from the city, police and the health 
authority when the vision was released more than a year ago.

Last April, University of Victoria addictions researcher Benedikt 
Fischer co-authored a feasibility study, commissioned by the City of 
Victoria and the Vancouver Island Health Authority, that recommended 
a few supervised drug consumption sites around the city. The 
recommendation was also supported by B.C. Health Minister George Abbott.

The once-enthusiastic support for a supervised injection site hasn't 
resulted in any significant action, however.

The arduous application process to Health Canada for permission to 
run the Victoria sites as a research project -- with exemptions from 
applicable federal drug laws -- has not been started.

The City of Victoria says it's up to the Vancouver Island Health 
Authority to apply. Meanwhile VIHA says the city must request the 
health authority act.

Victoria Mayor Alan Lowe said VIHA has so "so many fires to put out," 
and is doing such invaluable work on the city's homelessness 
strategy, it's no wonder the application for supervised injection 
sites are not a priority at this time.

Furthermore, Vancouver's supervised injection site, Insite, has not 
been granted the federal exemption it needs by June 30 to continue 
operating so all sides have taken a wait-and-see approach, he said.

"The main reason why we've cooled our heels a bit is Insite is 
fighting for its life right now," said Lowe.

A delegation from Vancouver demonstrated at the legislature yesterday 
to lobby the B.C. government to continue to run Insite, with or 
without the federal government's support.

NDP MLA Jenny Kwan presented a private member's bill in the 
legislature yesterday "to affirm the province's authority to operate 
Insite as part of BC's health-care system."

Supervised injection sites, which allow drug users a place to shoot 
up with health professionals nearby, are intended to prevent 
overdoses and the spread of infectious diseases. 
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