Stimulus Conference 2023 [Postponed]

Unfortunately, Stimulus 2023 is postponed until 2024.

A series of compounding challenges and significant changes to conference expenses contributed to this decision. While the entire Stimulus National Implementation and Planning (SNIP) Committee, CAPUD and CDPC staff, participants and partners were so looking forward to gathering this October, we are confident this is the right path forward at this time. Making this decision now ensures that we can work together toward the best possible version of Stimulus in the future.

“The opportunity to connect, share knowledge, and build collective power for change that Stimulus offers is so important,” says Marliss Taylor, Streetworks Director, Founding SNIP Committee Member, “Though we had hoped to gather this October, I am excited about what is possible as we plan for a 2024 event.”

We know that Stimulus, and the community around it, is not about a particular date, format or location. Stimulus is about the love that people have for each other and for the movement. This will continue to be a shared event that centres and uplifts the voices of people who use(d) criminalized drugs, creates a supportive space for harm reductionists and drug policy allies, continues to build best practices for safety and wellness, and is financially sustainable.

Thank you for being a part of this community.

In Solidarity, The Stimulus National Implementation and Planning (SNIP) Committee
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Stimulus 2023 is a two-and-a-half day event scheduled October 5-7, 2023 in beautiful Ottawa, Ontario. We expect to welcome 1,500 people whose expertise includes substance use experts, nurses, social workers, physicians, corrections staff, frontline workers, people involved in sex work, researchers, and other key stakeholders from across Canada.

The event will be the largest national harm reduction and drug policy gathering in Canada and is being held at the Shaw Conference Centre in downtown Ottawa.

In addition to the conference we expect over 25 satellite events. Satellite events are held by other organizations or collaborations and are scheduled in conjunction to the Stimulus 2023 conference. These satellites can be workshops, art installations, advocacy actions, meetings, tours, or any activities that want to take advantage of many of us in the same space. If you are interested in hosting a satellite please email the Stimulus staff.

Stimulus acknowledges that there are two public health crisis in Canada. People continue to die at alarming rates from accidental poisoning from a toxic illegal drug market and the work to protect the health and safety of those who use drugs must continue. We watched a range of Canadian governments respond to COVID19 and wish a similar level of response was taking place to save the lives of people at risk of drug policy deaths in Canada.

Stimulus is not considered a regular conference. People with current or recent experience of using criminalized drugs are experts. Harm reductionists and people who use drugs hold a range of leadership roles in planning, implementing and evaluating this event. We strive to have the most accessible, interactive and safe event possible. There will be a call for scholarship applications and for interest in volunteering, presenting and facilitating. We look forward to seeing you next October!