Re: "Warnings, plain covers for pot packaging," Nov. 22. Aside from bona fide medical use, it seems pot legalization may help lull a populace into a sleepwalking oblivion from the world and issues. More happy campers, more votes? By the way, will there be surgeon general warnings on pot packages? Marijuana effects can include secondhand smoke, dependency, mental impairment, impaired driving, seizures, psychosis, damaged blood vessels, chronic bronchitis, strokes, heart attack, etc. Cigarette producers may be rubbing their hands with glee, with finally a double standard perhaps exonerating them. Then there's the spectre of bootleg marijuana to underage people. Will the next move be a marijuana leaf Cannabian flag? Will the motto be Qu'ils mangent de la brioche - "Let them eat cake," or translated nowadays, "Let them smoke pot.' Jeff Miller, Calgary [end]
Suncor faces "profound problems" with drugs and alcohol at its oilsands operations, including accidents, injuries and death, according to documents filed to support the company's push for increased testing. The energy giant wants to start random drug and alcohol testing Friday in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB), more than five years after Unifor local 707A won an injunction putting the proposed program on hold until an arbitration board's decision. Although the board sided with the union, a judge later overturned the ruling, a verdict upheld in September by the Alberta Court of Appeal, which ordered a new arbitration hearing. Unifor, which is seeking leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada, will ask for another injunction Thursday, but Suncor argues in court documents there has been 73 safety incidents in the last four years where workers tested positive for drugs or alcohol. These include a driver whose idling, unattended truck rolled into a gas oil unit; a forklift operator lifting a 4,500-kg pipe that rolled to the ground; and a dozer driver whose machine tipped over, environment, health and safety vice-president Mike Agnew states in an affidavit. [continues 337 words]
The number of people in Alberta who died by accidentally overdosing on fentanyl in the first nine months of this year has exceeded the total number of deaths attributed to fentanyl in all of 2016, according to a new provincial report. The Alberta government says 400 people died between January and the end of September by accidentally consuming fatal amounts of fentanyl, compared with 357 for all of last year. On average, 1.8 people have died every day from accidentally overdosing on opioids, which include fentanyl, in the province. [continues 518 words]
Latest statistics suggest Alberta will see nearly 550 fentanyl-tied deaths this year Fentanyl-related overdoses killed 400 Albertans in the first nine months of the year, according to new statistics on the opioid crisis that also revealed a disturbing rise in the emergence of highly toxic carfentanil. The numbers, released Monday in Alberta Health's latest quarterly report, show the province has avoided any major spikes in fentanyl fatalities this year, but has also failed to stop the death toll from climbing. [continues 401 words]
Re: Paying for the privilege of smoking pot. Premier (Rachel) Notley stated this week that legal pot could see justice costs climb and questioned who should be paying - the provinces or the federal government? But additional judicial costs should not be her only concern. The Canadian Centre on Substance Use revealed the cost of marijuana-only drugged driving crashes cost Canadians in excess of $1.09 billion in 2012 alone. Marijuana use is now resulting in far too many young users being admitted to psychiatric hospitals. The level of potency and the prevalence of daily use is causing tremendous damage to the minds and health of many. Some 27% of Canadians who are 15 years of age and older who use marijuana use this drug everyday. The addiction rate for daily use is one in two. Marijuana is linked to episodes of psychiatric breaks of reality, a seven-fold increase in risk of suicide ideation, and early onset of schizophrenia - in some cases by seven years. Marijuana legalization will see more marijuana use, not less, and it will cost both the user and non-user greatly. Pamela McColl (And yet here we are.) [end]
Occasionally, Alberta's NDP government manages to demonstrate that it is capable of balance and pragmatism. Unfortunately, that also underscores the frustration of so frequently seeing them do the opposite. In preparing for legalized cannabis, the NDP must have been awfully tempted to follow the advice of their friends in the labour movement and build a network of government-built and government-operated retail outlets. But other than a pre-existing ideological bent, there really wasn't a case to be made for such an approach. The costs would be considerable, and there would not necessarily be any corresponding payoff in terms of better outcomes. Moreover, it would simply delay the rollout of legalized cannabis and prove to be a gift to the black market. [continues 556 words]
Why is the federal government in such a hurry to pass its marijuana legalization legislation when there are still so many questions and so few answers? Just last week, the Alberta Association of Chiefs of Police said that the legislation is coming too fast, stating that, "There is insufficient time to prepare the necessary legislative framework and regulations to ensure the public safety." The Canadian Association of Police Chiefs warned that it will be "impossible" to be ready for the government's target of legalizing marijuana by July 2018. Do these things not matter? [continues 200 words]
Why is the federal government in such a hurry to pass marijuana legalization legislation when there are still so many questions? The Alberta Association of Chiefs of Police said the legislation is coming too fast, stating, "there is insufficient time to prepare the necessary legislative framework and regulations to ensure the public safety." Do these things not matter? Why is government not listening to its own department of health which warned youth under the age of 25, whose brains are still developing, should not be smoking marijuana? Why are they ignoring evidence that says more youth will smoke marijuana and car crashes due to impairment will increase significantly? [continues 51 words]
A Vancouver cannabis firm with holdings in Alberta and a greenhouse under construction in California expects to debut its shares on a Canadian stock exchange in the coming weeks - with big warnings to investors. Sunniva Inc. will be the first pot stock to hold an initial public offering after securities regulators set out new rules for companies with assets in the United States, where cannabis remains federally illegal. While several U.S. states have liberalized cannabis laws, securities watchdogs in Canada say there are risks with investing in cannabis stocks that have American assets, including that the companies face potential asset seizures and prosecution by federal U.S. authorities. [continues 442 words]
Why is the federal government in such a hurry to pass its marijuana legalization when there are still so many questions and so few answers? Just this week, the Alberta Association of Chiefs of Police said the legislation is coming too fast, stating, "There is insufficient time to prepare the necessary legislative framework and regulations to ensure the public safety." The Canadian Association of Police Chiefs warned it will be "impossible" to be ready for the government's target of legalizing marijuana by July 1, 2018. Do these things not matter? [continues 187 words]
The rules governing legal marijuana sales in Alberta, released by the NDP government on Thursday, are a bit uptight. Really!? Licensed pot dispensaries won't be able to sell customers tortilla chips at the same time they sell them a 4g bag of Purple Kush or Grape Ape or Bubba Rockstar? Do the NDP truly believe that consumption of Doritos leads to overdosing on weed use rather than the other way around? What's the problem with letting Albertans kill two cravings with one stoner? [continues 432 words]
Legal pot a danger to youth, he says SHERWOOD PARK - Utah Johanson wears three rings on his fingers: a skull to show that death is always close, a Harley-Davidson ring from his dad and a ring in the shape of the number 13 - unlucky 13 - to show the life he lived and his misfortunes. His T-shirt reads: "If you don't like something change it; if you can't change it, change your attitude." The 21-year-old, who now dreams of being an engineer or physicist, was once a drug dealer. He is currently an honours student at NorQuest College, studying physics and math. [continues 284 words]
U of A prof calls misinformation about pot 'alarming' In light of the Alberta government announcing its regulations for the retail sale of marijuana, Metro spoke with a public health expert Tuesday to clarify some hazy topics around legalization. Elaine Hyshka, professor in the University of Alberta's school of public health and co-chair of the Minister's Opioid Emergency Response Commission, said it's "alarming" how much misinformation circulates on cannabis, and she helped us bust the myths. Myth #1: Legalization will lead to a spike in cannabis use among young people [continues 396 words]
Former addict speaks at cannabis legalization forum SHERWOOD PARK - Utah Johanson wears three rings on his fingers: a skull to show that death is always close, a Harley-davidson ring from his dad and a ring in the shape of the number 13 - unlucky 13 - to show the life he lived and his misfortunes. His T-shirt reads: "If you don't like something change it; if you can't change it, change your attitude." The 21-year-old, who now dreams of being an engineer or studying physics, was once a drug dealer. He is currently an honours student at Norquest College, studying physics and math. [continues 284 words]
Landlords hope for Human Rights Act exemption Alberta landlords are asking the province to nip possible human rights cases in the bud when it comes to cannabis use in rental properties, but the province doesn't see that happening. In a letter to the province, the Alberta Residential Landlords Association asked the province to revisit the residential tenancies act. The group is also asking for an exception to the Alberta Human Rights Act to make sure the right to prohibit cannabis smoking and growing is crystal clear. [continues 389 words]
Alberta won't limit the number of private cannabis stores once retail sales are legalized next July, according to new details released Thursday by the NDP government. The province confirmed that it will look to private retailers to sell legal weed from brick-and-mortar storefronts, instead of government-run outlets chosen by several other provinces, such as Ontario and Quebec. Online sales in Alberta, however, will be available through a publicly run system, which is meant to ensure residents can tell the difference between legal and illicit retailers on the internet. [continues 741 words]
On the street, a dealer selling pot at $10 per gram better deliver the goods - high THC content sufficient to get a good buzz - or clientele will go elsewhere. Word gets around fast. Similarly, if the provincial government doesn't deliver the goods, plans to reap millions in taxes from selling pot will go up in smoke. The government hasn't said a word about the THC content in its pot and journalists have been remiss in not asking this, the most important question. If the THC content is the same as or close to the content found in medical marijuana, there most certainly will not be a buzz. And that's the main reason for smoking a joint. Neighbourhood dealers may have nothing to fear. [continues 58 words]
The Alberta government's proposed rules for selling legal marijuana are a bit fuddy-duddy. For the most part, they're pretty good. Private retailers will handle in-person sales; unionized government workers will be in charge of online purchases. (Please allow six to eight weeks for delivery). What the Notley government is proposing is very likely a workable system. It will not eliminate illegal weed sales entirely. But it will make buying bud convenient enough that most people will be persuaded to go the law-abiding-citizen route. [continues 550 words]
Be smart. Not stupid. As we travel down the road to pot legalization in Canada, provincial governments across the country are scrambling to update a number of laws, including impaired driving rules. Here in Alberta, the government has announced its changes to impaired-driving legislation. The NDs plan to impose a maximum $1,000 fine for a positive blood test of two to five nanograms per millimetre of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), along with a minimum $1,000 fine for a first-time conviction on a reading above five. [continues 315 words]
Pot rules largely workable but ban on weed sales at liquor stores makes no sense The Alberta government's proposed rules for selling legal marijuana are a bit fuddy-duddy. For the most part, they're pretty good. Private retailers will handle in-person sales; unionized government workers will be in charge of online purchases. (Please allow 6 to 8 weeks for delivery). What the Notley government is proposing is very likely a workable system. It will not eliminate illegal weed sales entirely. But it will make buying bud convenient enough that most people will be persuaded to go the law-abiding-citizen route. [continues 550 words]
Alberta's police chiefs are feeling "overwhelmed" figuring out how to adjust policing practices ahead of marijuana legalization, Edmonton police Chief Rod Knecht said. "The timelines are extremely tight," Knecht said outside an Edmonton Police Commission meeting at city hall on Thursday. In an open letter, the Alberta Association of Chiefs of Police warned the scheduled July 1, 2018, legalization leaves "insufficient time for the full consideration necessary in the creation of the regulatory framework to ensure the safety of Albertans." [continues 232 words]
Private operators still await rules for selling legal weed starting July 1 Alberta won't limit the number of private cannabis stores once retail sales are legalized next July, according to new details released Thursday by the NDP government. The province confirmed that private retailers will sell legal weed from brick-and-mortar storefronts, instead of government-run outlets chosen by several other provinces, including Ontario and Quebec. Online sales in Alberta, however, will be available through a publicly run system, which is meant to ensure residents can tell the difference between legal and illicit retailers on the internet. [continues 775 words]
Potential retailers comment as Alberta releases rules for cannabis shops, sales Private retailers who want to sell legal marijuana in Alberta next July 1 won't be able to do so alongside alcohol, or even a bag of chips. Under proposed rules introduced by the province Thursday, retailers will be restricted to sales of cannabis and cannabis-related goods such as lighters and rolling papers. There's no word on how much legal marijuana will cost, but 420 Clinic founder Jeff Mooij says that won't matter to consumers. [continues 407 words]
Private retailers who want to sell legal marijuana in Alberta come July 1 won't be able to do so alongside alcohol, or even a bag of chips. Under proposed rules introduced by the provincial government Thursday, retailers will be restricted to sales of cannabis and cannabis-related goods. Stores also will have to operate under a specific cannabis business licence. That means liquor stores won't be able to set up a wall and a separate storefront with booze on one side and bud on the other. [continues 423 words]
Private retailers who want to sell legal marijuana in Alberta next July 1 won't be able to do so alongside alcohol, or even a bag of chips. Under proposed rules introduced by the province Thursday, retailers will be restricted to sales of cannabis and cannabis-related goods such as lighters and rolling papers. There's no word on how much legal marijuana will cost, but 420 Clinic founder Jeff Mooij says that won't matter to consumers. As a medical marijuana clinic owner and cannabis user, Mooij said Thursday there is an appetite for clean, safe, regulated weed in Alberta - it's not about paying less than black market drugs, but knowing where the product is coming from. [continues 367 words]
Alberta will let the market reign when it comes to bricks-and-mortar cannabis stores - allowing licensed private outlets to spring up across the province, with the numbers and locations being determined mainly by the owner-operators. However, the Alberta government will also play a major part in the legal recreational cannabis market as it will control and profit from all legal online sales. Alberta is even leaving the door open to having provincial workers deliver the cannabis packages ordered through a government website, instead of by Canada Post or another courier. [continues 606 words]
Marijuana to be legal across Canada July 1 Alberta is putting the legislative pieces in place for legalized marijuana, starting with changes to align its rules with pending Criminal Code amendments. "Impaired driving is the leading cause of criminal death and injury in Canada," Transportation Minister Brian Mason said Tuesday after introducing Bill 29 in the legislature. "If this bill passes, it will support our government's goal of zero impairment (and) related collisions and fatalities on Alberta roads." Marijuana is to be legal across Canada as of July 1, and the federal government is revising and toughening criminal charges for impaired driving to include cannabis and mixing cannabis with alcohol while behind the wheel. [continues 366 words]
Alberta will bear heavy up front costs as Ottawa grabs half the tax on cannabis sales Under the proposed federal tax on pot, Alberta will run a cannabis deficit for several years, according to provincial officials. This is not an appealing prospect for a government with no shortage of other deficits. It explains why Finance Minister Joe Ceci said last week: "I'm not sure what the federal government is smoking but I can tell you ... this is not going to work for Alberta." [continues 605 words]
NDP proposes penalties for being high at the wheel in preparation for legal weed The NDP introduced new legislation Tuesday that aims to fill the gap in impaired-driving rules ahead of cannabis legalization across Canada. The federal government has proposed specific drug limits as well as penalties for drivers who break the law. Ottawa has also touted the development of a roadside drug test in preparation for the July 1 milestone when cannabis becomes legal. Alberta Transportation Minister Brian Mason said Bill 29 - which updates the Traffic Safety Act - will reduce the number of impaired drivers on the road and encourage safe driving if passed. [continues 458 words]
Police say they're satisfied with provincial legislation Calgary There is currently zero tolerance for any alcohol in the system of a new driver in Alberta, and the province announced it intends to extend that ban to include marijuana. Alberta began putting the legislative pieces in place for legalized marijuana on Tuesday, starting with changes to align its rules with pending federal Criminal Code amendments. "Impaired driving is the leading cause of criminal death and injury in Canada,'' Transportation Minister Brian Mason said after introducing Bill 29 in the legislature. "If this bill passes, it will support our government's goal of zero impairment (and) related collisions and fatalities on Alberta roads.'' [continues 355 words]
Alberta's NDP government has no position on decriminalizing hard drugs but is open to the conversation around the issue, associate health minister Brandy Payne said Monday. As Ottawa moves toward legalizing recreational cannabis next year, recently elected federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh has called for the decriminalization of personal possession of all drugs to help combat the escalating problems with opioids. Speaking to reporters, Payne said Alberta has not looked at the idea of decriminalization, noting that the designation of drugs as legal or illegal is a federal responsibility. [continues 483 words]
Alberta is definitely going to pot. But privately, not publicly. According to a good old fashioned scoop by my colleague Emma Graney, the government will introduce legislation next week to allow the private sector to sell marijuana in stand-alone stores starting July of next year. Thus endeth the big mystery over whether pot sales would be done through privately owned shops or government-controlled outlets. These "hemporiums" (I'm really hoping that catches on) will be run much like our private liquor stores that are located all over the place, making a beer run much more convenient than the days of yore (before 1993) when Alberta's government-run liquor stores were the only game in town. [continues 628 words]
Alberta will introduce legislation as soon as next week to allow the establishment of private cannabis stores, and will also launch a battle with Ottawa over how to split the tax revenue from the drug sales. Late Friday, Alberta Finance Minister Joe Ceci held a news conference to slam the federal government's proposal that Ottawa get 50 per cent of the excise tax on marijuana products. The provinces and territories would receive the other half. Ottawa's claim to a large share of the $1 a gram, or 10 per cent of the producer's sale price, is not fair, Mr. Ceci contends. The provinces and municipalities, not Ottawa, will be responsible for related costs, such as policing, education and other implementation work. [continues 575 words]
The provincial government's plan to allow legal marijuana sales at privately owned stores has the business community optimistic about potential opportunities. Less impressed is Finance Minister Joe Ceci, who was grinding his teeth Friday at the federal government's proposed 50/50 split in tax revenue from pot sales. "I'm not sure what the federal government is smoking, but I can tell you that's not going to work for Alberta," he told media. Provinces and municipalities are bearing the brunt of the responsibility around legalized pot sales, he argued, so it's unfair for the federal government to swoop in and grab half of the cash. [continues 342 words]
A discussion on medicinal marijuana, its uses and who is using it was the on the menu at the Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs' weekly speakers series. Dr. Ife Abiola, medical director for the 420 Clinic, spoke on the drug and gave anecdotal information on many of the patents seen at the clinic. He said it is important for local residents to get informed on the drug ahead of impending national legalization. "This is going to be changing a lot of different facets of our lives," he said. "You can expect to be seeing whether it's through a medical clinic, dispensary or other people just using in a ubiquitous way in our lives. Everyone needs to have a certain level of education about this. " [continues 231 words]
But NDP legislation would leave online sales to the government Plans are underway for legal marijuana to be sold in Alberta through private bricks-and-mortar stores, but online sales will be controlled by the government, Postmedia has learned. Legislation governing the sale of weed once it becomes legal July 1 will be introduced in the legislature next week. Governmentcontrolled online sales is meant to alleviate safety concerns raised by Albertans in response to the NDP's planned pot framework, released Oct. 4, sources say. [continues 416 words]
Rick Hanson spent four decades in policing - more than seven of those years as Calgary's chief - where he made a career out of fighting organized crime and the local drug trade. Nearly three years into his retirement, it may come as a surprise he is now involved in the cannabis industry. But Hanson said Wednesday he is among a growing number of former senior police officers across Canada who are leveraging their experiences to ensure legalization is done safely while eliminating criminals from the supply chain. [continues 549 words]
Two former Alberta government cabinet ministers and a police chief are part of a group that is working to promote the legal recreational marijuana industry. Former justice minister Jonathan Denis belongs to an organization called the Canadian Cannabis Chamber that is providing legal, lobbying and security advice to companies as Canada prepares for the legalization of pot next July. Denis said he never dreamed he would be working as an advocate for an industry that will sell a substance that people were arrested for during his years as Alberta's solicitor general. [continues 193 words]
Feds plan to legalize recreational pot by July 2018 The day of cannabis legalization looms over local governments and law enforcement - including Calgary police - but they're taking it in stride. At the October Calgary Police Commission meeting, CPS chief Roger Chaffin said the best time to know the exact legislation to come on July 1 would have been "in the past," but said they're already taking steps to address legalization now. The province's cannabis framework, released in early October, proposes Albertans will have to be at least 18 years old to buy pot from the specialized retail stores selling it. [continues 244 words]
As the province and city ponder their pot policies, how and if Edmontonians will be able to smoke marijuana at festivals is still up in the air. The province's proposed framework treats the inhalation of cannabis in public much like tobacco products, with the added caveat that it can't be used near schools and hospitals or in vehicles. The specifics on how pot will be consumed in public and on festival grounds will ultimately depend on how the different levels of government roll out legislation. [continues 452 words]
That should be the extent of government involvement in the sale of pot There may be one upside in organized labour's embrace of government owned and operated retail cannabis outlets in that it may convert some conservatives who were previously opposed to legalization into champions of private pot proprietors. Otherwise, though, it's hard to see any value in the proposition that the Alberta government be tasked with establishing and overseeing marijuana stores come next year. Last Friday marked the end of the government's consultation process, and it had left the door open on this rather fundamental question. [continues 579 words]
Re. "MP hosts impassioned debate over supervised injection sites in southwest," Oct. 30 The title should have been "MP misses the point." Supervised consumption services (SCS) primarily save lives, and anyone who has lost a loved one can tell you how important that is. Our son Danny died from an overdose in 2014. He was only 25, was a promising young chef and is dearly missed. There are many families like ours who are members in our group Moms Stop The Harm, who live in MP Matt Jeneroux's riding of Edmonton-Riverbend. I encourage him to meet them. [continues 111 words]
Alberta will introduce legislation laying out its plan for cannabis legalization, and also make a final call on whether storefront sales will be managed by government monopoly or private interests, before the end of the year. Alberta laid out the broad strokes of its cannabis plan earlier this month. But NDP government House Leader Brian Mason said Friday the province will introduce two pieces of legislation in the fall sitting: One will deal with the road-safety and impairment aspects of cannabis and the other dealing with cannabis regulation, including distribution, sales, where it can be consumed and the minimum legal age. He added that, across the country, everyone is scrambling to have their own province-specific laws in place before Ottawa's July 1, 2018, deadline for recreational marijuana legalization. [continues 637 words]
Many Canadians can hardly wait for the day that the recreational use of marijuanabecomes legal. As a medical doctor, I'm far less enthusiastic. I worry about two things: The experimental nature of marijuana in medical practice and the public health consequences of legalized marijuana. Before you write me off as overly prudish or an anti-marijuana conservative, let me say out of the gate that I'm not opposed to legalized marijuana in principle - I'm just paying attention to the evidence, or rather, the lack of it. My concern is that as marijuanabecomes more easily available, Canadians may become more inclined to self-medicate with this so-called "miracle drug." [continues 638 words]
Ed Secondiak began his Friday lecture on cannabis in the workplace by cautioning against potential dangers of the soon-to-be-legalized substance. "We would consider marijuana a dangerous drug simply because impairment is not recognized by the individual or perhaps the person (working) with them," said Secondiak, a former drug enforcement RCMP officer who now works with ECS Safety. The talk at Medicine Hat College was organized by APEX and intended for local employers, whom Secondiak encouraged to ask questions at any time. [continues 382 words]
NDP MLA mulls hybrid model for sales as marijuana legalization draws nearer Chatting with MLA Craig Coolahan about the Alberta Heritage Fund this week, a more burning topic of public debate sparked up. Should the Alberta government run its own pot stores? The NDP MLA for Calgary-Klein said the topic keeps resurfacing, particularly as the deadline for public feedback on Alberta's new marijuana framework wraps up Friday. "I've been talking about cannabis all week," said Coolahan, who serves as chair of the legislative committee on the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund. [continues 837 words]
To paraphrase rock outfit The White Stripes: Premier Rachel Notley, we've said it once before but it bears repeating. Do not listen to public sector unions when it comes to marijuana sales in Alberta. Following on the heels of the Alberta Federation of Labour, the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) members last weekend voted in favour of a resolution supporting the sale of cannabis in provincially run stores when the practice is made legal next July. As we have previously stated in this space, the sales should be left to the private sector, which has the experience and track record in managing sales of a regulated product - tobacco and alcohol. [continues 268 words]
To paraphrase rock outfit The White Stripes: Premier Notley, we've said it once before but it bears repeating. Do not listen to public sector unions when it comes to marijuana sales in Alberta. Following on the heels of the Alberta Federation of Labour, the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) members last weekend voted in favour of a resolution supporting the sale of cannabis in provincially run stores when the practice is made legal next July. As we have previously stated in this space, the sales should be left to the private sector, which has the experience and track record in managing sales of a regulated product - tobacco and alcohol. [continues 269 words]
Coalition of agencies is working to provide 24/7 service, Shelley Williams writes. Access to Medically Supervised Injection Services Edmonton, known as AMSISE, is a coalition of 25 individuals and groups, including people with lived experience, community agencies, medical, academic, and public sector representatives. AMSISE started as a conversation with Edmonton's harm reduction needle distribution service, Streetworks, in January of 2012 and continues to be a community-driven initiative. The focus is on people with severe and chronic addictions, usually homeless, whose chaotic and furtive injection-drug use takes place in unsafe environments, including parks, back alleys, behind dumpsters, along fences, and in agency and public washrooms. Multiple studies have established a direct link between unstable housing and public injecting. Communities will benefit by reducing unsafe needle debris as an unintentional hazard. [continues 438 words]
Inside Alberta
