Pubdate: Fri, 15 Apr 2016
Source: Tri-City News (Port Coquitlam, CN BC)
Copyright: 2016 Tri-City News
Contact: http://drugsense.org/url/3X3xlf9Y
Website: http://www.tricitynews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1239

A TIMELY IDEA

A harm-reduction approach to addiction is needed to stop overdose 
deaths as the problem seems to be increasing in B.C., according to 
the provincial coroner. Last year, the BC Coroner's Service logged 
465 apparent illicit drug overdose deaths, considered "accidental" or 
"undetermined" - a 27% jump from the previous year.

It's time we stopped thinking of people who abuse drugs and alcohol 
as morally bankrupt and consider the misuse of these substances for 
what they are: a health issue.

Thus, we support rookie Liberal MPs Ron McKinnon's private members 
bill - the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act - that would provide 
amnesty from being charged with drug possession to those who call in 
an overdose.

It's a sensible bill, as Port Coquitlam council agreed, when its 
unanimously backed McKinnon's proposed legislation.

Let's see more measures like this to save lives.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom