39th Quebec harm reduction conference (RQRDM)

When? 14 May 2026, 9:00–17:00 (ET)
Where? Grande Bibliothèque de BAnQ, 475 boulevard de Maisonneuve Est, Montréal / Online

Registration deadlines:
• In person: 8 May 2026 (23:00)
• Online: 12 May 2026 (23:00)

Languages: French and English (simultaneous interpretation available for certain sessions)

Returning to the roots of harm reduction

Since its creation in 1991, the Quebec Harm Reduction Conference (RQRDM) has served as a key space for exchange, reflection and mobilisation. Originally focused on HIV prevention among people who inject drugs, the conference has progressively expanded to address overdose prevention, sexuality, substance regulation and broader social justice issues.

The 39th edition marks a return to the essence of harm reduction. At a time when harm reduction approaches are increasingly subject to stigma, misinformation and political backlash, the conference seeks to reaffirm the evidence base and human rights foundations of this pragmatic and humanistic approach.

Research consistently demonstrates that when harm reduction strategies are properly implemented and adequately resourced, they reduce overdose deaths, improve public health outcomes, and strengthen communities — countering claims that such approaches increase drug use, crime or homelessness.