Pubdate: Mon, 14 Jun 2010 Source: Ring, The (U of Victoria, CN BC Edu) Copyright: 2010 The Ring Contact: http://ring.uvic.ca/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2134 Photo: Lucas with statue of Sir John A. MacDonald at Victoria City Hall. http://www.mapinc.org/images/lucas.jpg Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/people/Philippe+Lucas A PASSION FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE Victoria City Councillor and Vancouver Island Compassion Society founder Philippe Lucas has had his share of life experiences. Lucas was exposed to hepatitis C through the tainted blood supply at age 12, but the condition was only diagnosed in 1995, the same year that his father committed suicide. "Sometimes life makes choices for us, and with the benefit of a little longevity we can see that even the most adverse event or situation can lead to some positive outcomes," says Lucas, whose personal experiences with medical cannabis led him to conduct a number of research projects on this topic over the last 15 years. Graduating with a Master of Arts in Studies in Policy and Practice-an interdisciplinary graduate program in the Faculty of Human and Social Development aimed at those involved in social activism, human services and community work-has provided an opportunity to "deepen the theoretical underpinnings that form the base of progressive reform efforts, particularly in the area of drug policy," says Lucas. Recipient of the 2007 UVic Blue and Gold award for community contributions, Lucas has worked towards raising awareness on social issues such as homelessness, drug policy reform and food security. Currently a research affiliate and board member with the Centre for Addictions Research of BC at UVic, Lucas says, "I have a passion for work and research around progressive social change towards the legitimization of a patient-centered, community-based approach to medical cannabis." In 1999 he opened the Vancouver Island Compassion Society, a non-profit medical cannabis research and distribution centre in Victoria. He has testified in front of Senate and the House of Commons on the issue of mandatory minimum sentences (Bill C-26 and C-15) and was invited to share his research and experience on medical cannabis access with Israel's Ministry of Health. "I believe that the letters at the end of your name really do have an impact on policy direction and how seriously your research is regarded in an academic setting," says Lucas, who pursued an education in liberal arts at Concordia, Carleton, Bishop's and UBC, but chose UVic in 1995 for its mid-size, beauty and academic excellence. He completed a professional degree in education and went on to teach English and drama in a local secondary school. An increasing interest in social justice and harm reduction compelled him to pursue an education that complemented research in an area where few experienced researchers existed. He credits UVic with another important milestone in his life. "Ten years ago I had the fortune of meeting my wife through a conference she was organizing at UVic. She has been an incredibly supportive partner through many challenges and successes over the last 10 years-from lengthy court cases and election campaigns, to many years of study at UVic," says Lucas. He and his wife, Mary (MA 2001, history in art), recently embarked on a retail business venture called "Hip Baby" following another milestone-parenthood. Their daughter was born one month before his election to Victoria City Council in 2008. Lucas will continue to champion the importance of social justice through his work on harm reduction and environmental sustainability on council and in the community. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake