Links

Canadian Students for Sensible Drug Policy: a student network that provides education and resources for students to address substance use issues facing their communities. The actively support approaches scientifically studied and proven to be effective in decreasing the negative impact of drugs and drug policies on individuals, families and communities including drugs as a health issue, accessibility, and open dialogue.

Canadian Foundation for Drug Policy: non-profit organization founded by Canada’s leading professionals in drug policy. Its aims are to act as a forum for those interested in drug policy reform, serving as a vehicle for discussion on drug policy issues, and recommend alternatives to make Canada’s drug laws more effective and humane.

David Eby’s Blog: David Eby is the acting Executive Director of the B.C. Civil Liberties Association, and a former lawyer for the Pivot Legal Society in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Among other roles, David is also currently the Vice-President of the Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network, co-chair of the Urban Core Community Service Provider Coalition, a Research Associate with the B.C. Centre for Policy Alternatives, and Board member with the Impact of the Olympics on Community Coalition. One of the most active individuals in the DTES and advocacy for its residents, his opinions are respected and sought after providing an important voice for policy surrounding the issues of the DTES.

Drug Policy Alliance Network: A leading organization promoting policy alternatives to the drug war that are grounded in science, compassion, health and human rights. Those involved feel the war on drugs is doing more harm than good, and this organization seeks to advance policies that reduce harm associated with drug misuse and prohibition.

InnerChange Foundation: a foundation created in 2007 here in Vancouver provides effective, integrated ‘exit strategies’ for chronically addicted individuals to end their drug dependency. They also support public outreach and school based education programs while advocating for more funds for substitution research, and the establishment of a BC Centre for Excellence in Addiction and Concurrent Disorders.

INSITE: Vancouver’s highly controversial safe injection site, the first legal supervised safe injection site in North America. This facility is the pinnacle for debate of drug use and addiction presence and treatment in Vancouver’s DTES as well as across the country.

Keeping the Door Open: community coalition based in Vancouver, Canada, that convenes public dialogues on the range of issues associated with problematic substance use in order to advance the public discussion and inform public policy. They bring together local, national and international speakers to share their personal stories and to present innovative, evidence-informed research to stimulate engaged discussion purposefully designed for respectful and effective dialogue. Through these dialogues we intend to reduce the stigma that this issue generates and which stops us from dealing with it in a pragmatic and compassionate manner based on scientific research. This is a model for the type of event we hope to foster with students.

Mark Haden: Currently works for Vancouver Coastal Health. He has worked in Detox, Methadone and Out Patient settings in counselling, supervisory and management roles and is published on the issue of drug policy in the Canadian Journal of Public Health, and the International Journal of Drug Policy. He also provides public education on drugs and drug policy.

Media Access Project/Drug Sense: a non-profit, worldwide network devoted to drug policy reform informing public opinion and promoting balanced media coverage of these issues. They aim to provide accurate and relevant information on drug policy and heighten awareness of these issues.

Pivot Legal Society: a non-profit legal advocacy organization located in Vancouver’s DTES focusing on marginalized persons. Their mandate is to using the law to bring social change to those on the margins of society. Their presence in Vancouver’s DTES imparts their publications a unique and useful tone in the context of the issues of the area.

Pivot Legal LLP Blog: Pivot Legal LLP is a social enterprise law firm established in 2006 by Pivot Legal Society, a non-profit legal advocacy organization located in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Their goal is to provide quality, affordable legal representation to individuals and organizations, and use its expertise and 100% of its profits to support the public interest campaigns of Pivot Legal Society. The lawyers recognize the need and integrate their desire for social responsibility. Pivot Legal LLP’s role in dealing with legal issues in the DTES provides a unique voice on controversial issues of the neighborhood, such as the legal supervised injection site Insite.

The Tyee: is an independent daily publication covering British Columbia issues and beyond. Their dedication to publishing lively and informative news on thought provoking issues provides an outlet for obtaining unique and refreshing views.