Davies Rejects Report Attacking Safe Injection Site
Davies Rejects Report Attacking Safe Injection Site
OTTAWA – NDP Deputy Leader Libby Davies today rejected a United Nations International Narcotics Control Board’s (INCB) report attacking harm reduction programmes in Canada.
“The INCB’s claim that Vancouver’s InSite safe injection site and other harm reduction programmes are illegal is completely unfounded. In fact, the legal opinion of the UN’s own Drugs and Crime Program is that harm reduction programs like InSite do not violate international treaties,” said Davies. “InSite is providing life-saving health services, and is in complete compliance with the law.”
Davies comments came in response to release of the INCB’s 2008 Annual Report, which called for the Canadian government to put an end to safe injection sites and other harm reduction programmes. The INCB report appears to contradict the UN General Assembly, the World Health Organization, and other international agencies that have supported harm-reduction as an answer to drug-related health problems.
“We need rational policies that save lives by helping prevent drug overdoses and the spread of HIV and Hepatitis C. Instead, the INCB wants to force us to adopt failed US style drug war strategies,” said Davies. “The INCB is out of touch with current medical research and out of touch with Canadian realities. The INCB needs to be reformed.”
As the NDP Spokesperson for Drug Policy, Davies has met with community organizations and health groups across the country to promote harm reduction as part of Canada’s National Drug Strategy.
“The InSite program has been embraced by municipal government, local law-enforcement, local businesses and the general community who see the positive changes on our streets, and the reduced strain on our policing and health services,” added Davies. “Scientists and activists accept the positive findings from the study from InSite, and like so many Vancouverites, I’m proud that this effective program is part of our community.”
Against the Conservative's Film and Video Censorship Plans
BC Teacher's Strike
Budget Extends Agenda that Fails Working Families: Corporate tax giveaways outstrip new funding 6 to 1
Budget Extends Agenda that Fails Working Families: Corporate tax giveaways outstrip new funding 6 to 1
Budget Extends Agenda that Fails Working Families: Corporate tax giveaways outstrip new funding 6 to 1
OTTAWA – New Democrats in Ottawa have rejected the 2008 budget, saying they will not endorse the Harper agenda.
“A budget is where you set priorities,” said NDP leader Jack Layton. “And this Prime Minister has again placed corporate tax giveaways ahead of investing in hard-working families in Vancouver.”
“Hundreds of affordable rental housing units have been lost in Vancouver over the last year and homelessness is up 78% from 2005, but the Conservatives couldn’t find a single dollar for new social housing. Instead, they chose to fund yet more tax cuts for big corporations” said Vancouver East MP Libby Davies.
“There is no money in this budget for the high-quality, affordable childcare that Canadian families need. The Harper government’s so-called ‘childcare benefit’ from 2 years ago has made almost no difference for ordinary families, and this budget again refuses to address the problem” said Davies. “This is the continuation of an agenda that’s failing middle-class and lower income families and accelerating the growing gap in Vancouver and across British Columbia.”
The NDP noted that while the Harper agenda gives profitable corporations multi-year commitments for tax cuts, while aboriginal communities, transit initiatives and research have to get by with temporary commitments and one-offs.
Davies said the Conservative budget was disappointing and potentially dangerous to the BC economy.
“The banks and oil and gas sectors saw record operating profits in 2007 and do not need more tax breaks and giveaways. The Conservative agenda has the wrong plan for hard-working Canadians. Harper’s policies are picking winners and losers – big business wins while families lose,” said Davies. “We will not and cannot accept this agenda for our country.”
On Canadian Sovereignty
NDP rss
January 2007
Davies Welcomes Ruling on Medical Marijuana
Davies Welcomes Ruling on Medical Marijuana
OTTAWA – NDP MP Libby Davies applauded yesterday’s Federal Court ruling striking down a regulation restricting medical marijuana growers from supplying more than one user.
“Until now, Health Canada has severely limited access to Canadians who have a legitimate need for medical marijuana,” said Davies. “Any challenges to this ruling would be negligent. The government must move forward with the necessary changes immediately.”
Currently, patients can grow their own marijuana, get it from a designated grower, or from the Government of Canada. A grower cannot supply more than one user. Judge Strayer’s ruling calls those restrictions arbitrary and unconstitutional.
The expense, quality, and accessibility of the Canada’s medical marijuana program have long been questioned and Davies has repeatedly called on the Auditor General to review the program. Her latest appeal came after it was revealed that Health Canada has a mark-up price of 1,500 percent on its marijuana. Many government users are in arrears and have been forced to discontinue use.
“The Government’s restrictive and overly bureaucratic policies have forced thousands of seriously ill Canadians to turn to illegal sources for their marijuana,” said Davies. “In light of Judge Strayer’s ruling, these restrictions must be lifted now.”
Davies supports the recommendations for, at minimum, higher ratios for suppliers to buyers. She is calling for the expansion of, and fairer access to, Canada’s Medical Marijuana program for all Canadians who need it.