CITIZENS DEMAND SAFE SITES FOR DRUG USERS

Drug laws in Canada are so out of touch with local needs that
communities may need to establish their own supervised drug
consumption sites, according to Benedikt Fischer.

The lead researcher from UVic's Centre for Addictions Research of
British Columbia (CARBC) recently published a report recommending that
at least two supervised consumption sites be established in Victoria.
Patrons would be able to use injectable drugs and possibly
non-injectable drugs--such as crack--at the sites.

The City of Victoria plans to use CARBC's research in applying for an
exemption from federal drug laws to establish three experimental
supervised consumption sites. But Health Canada has ruled out
considering new exemptions until research on Vancouver's safe
consumption site--the only one in Canada--is complete. That probably
won't happen until December.

Fischer spoke to a crowd of more than 100 on June 27 in downtown
Victoria about safe consumption sites. Community groups representing
women, Aboriginals and drug users added their perspectives to the
discussion by responding to Fischer. After, the crowd had a chance to
be heard. The event was organized by concerned citizens group Voices
of Substance. Fischer said that there are roughly 2,000 overdose
deaths in Canada annually.

"I call it throwing away a perfectly good person," said Dennis
Gudmundsen, co-chair of the Society of Living Intravenous Drug Users.
"And we're not Bics."

Fischer's research shows that there have been no reported deaths by
overdose at safe consumption sites in Australia, Europe, and North
America. He also found that supervised injection sites also reduce
risky behaviours--such as needle sharing and public injection--that
lead to HIV and hepatitis C transmission.

Fischer said there is "a major disconnect" between the community
level, which bears the brunt of drug problems, and the federal level,
where drug laws are written.

He drew applause from the crowd by suggesting that the community
establish consumption sites even if an exemption is not granted. "It
may be time for the community to stand up and say, 'Forget about
your international drug control laws . Forget about all the other
policies.' Maybe it is the right thing to do at the community level,"
he said.

However, Fischer cautioned that sites "are not a magic bullet." They
will not treat or prevent addiction, or stop crime. He also warned
against hiding the problem inside supervised consumption sites. Most
of the estimated 1,500 to 2,000 injection drug users in Greater
Victoria are homeless or in unstable housing. They tend to be young
and disproportionately aboriginal, said Fischer.

Respondents from the community noted the lack of resources for drug
addicts in Victoria. "We haven't got the services to treat addicts,"
said Mickey Cook, a counselor with the Victoria Native Friendship Centre.

Lauren Casey, Canadian National Coalition of Experiential Women
coordinator, told reporters that she sometimes has to refer women
out-of-province in order to access the treatment they need.