OPS are necessary—both to save lives and in accordance with public health laws. When local governments or police obstruct OPS, they contravene a Ministerial Order; violate provincial jurisdiction over health; discriminate against people who use drugs; and put people’s lives at even greater risk amid overlapping health crises. When health authorities fail to establish or otherwise protect OPS, they breach their legal obligations, potentially amounting to negligence and/or discrimination.

Full drug decriminalization is consistent with Canada's human rights obligations

We must develop a flexible definition of Social Condition that includes an element of disadvantage and explicitly identifies housing status.

In light of the federal government’s failure to meaningfully reform drug policy, provinces like B.C. can and must take legal steps to effectively (“de facto”) decriminalize simple possession by re-directing police resources away from its criminal enforcement.

Police must be made to cooperate with accountability organizations and investigations

Substance use is a health issue and should be treated as such

Harm reduction supplies save lives. Police should not be taking them away from people who use drugs.

People who call 911 should be free to do so without fear of arrest.

Land use decisions should protect the rights and safety of society's least off and most marginalized.

Government policy should be guided by research and facts, not fear and stigma