News

Launch of the Canadian Drug Policy Coalition (CDPC)

12 December 2011

It is with great pleasure that we announce the launch of the Canadian Drug Policy Coalition. The CDPC represents a diverse and growing national network of civil society organizations, individuals that include front-line harm reduction and treatment providers, youth organizations, parents, HIV/AIDS service organizations, people who use drugs, researchers and public health officials.

The goal of the CDPC is to produce and advance constructive drug policy recommendations to all levels of government through collaboration with communities across the country. It is time to move away from our current punitive approach to substance use problems to one rooted in public health, evidence, social inclusion and human rights.

Together we can reduce harm from substance use, including death and disease, and improve public safety while minimizing organized criminal involvement in the drug trade.

We urge you to visit drugpolicy.ca to learn more about our vision for:

  • A health, social and human rights approach to substance use;
  • The important role harm reduction approaches play;
  • Removing the stigma of criminalization for people who use drugs;
  • Moving beyond the current approach to drug prohibition;
  • A national dialogue on drug policy for Canada.

The site also features stories about prominent drug policy pioneers, current drug policy related events here and around the world, more about our partners, and CPDC’s voice and issues in the media.

Most importantly – www.drugpolicy.ca is a place for you to take action and join CDPC in shaping the future of drug policy, legislation and institutional practice in Canada. CDPC wants to work with your communities, hear your ideas and have you join in collective discussion to transform drug policy in Canada.

Keep up-to-date with drug policy developments by subscribing to the IDPC Monthly Alert.