'INSITE IS SAVING LIVES'

Contrary to the Post's editorial, Insite, Vancouver's safe injection
facility (SIF) has earned the support of the Vancouver Police
Department (not to mention local residents and business groups, and
the City of Vancouver). To imply that all police in Canada oppose SIFs
is simply untrue.

The editorial also ignores an ever-growing body of scientific proof
backing Insite's positive impact. For example, extensive research by
the British Columbia Centre for Excellence on HIV/AIDS clearly
demonstrates that Insite has lowered the rates of syringe sharing,
deaths from overdoses, and the risk of HIV and hepatitis C infection,
while increasing the chances of directing drug users to treatment services.

Insite is saving lives. Therefore, the Post should be asking why
Ottawa is even considering shutting down Insite and other harm
reduction programs. Why is ideology trumping evidence in the
policy-making process? And will Canadians let their government play
politics with people's lives?

Leon Mar, director of communications, Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network,
Toronto.