Media Advisory - Montréal Should Urge the Canadian Government to Decriminalize the Simple Possession of Drugs for Personal Use and Follow the Example of Vancouver Français
MONTRÉAL, Jan. 18, 2021 /CNW Telbec/ - While an overdose crisis and COVID-19 rages nationwide further threatening drug users, in Montréal the number of deaths due to overdose is unprecedented. Given this alarming context, we ask that the City of Montréal, guided by existing and conclusive data, follow the lead of other Canadian cities, including Vancouver, and join the growing consensus on the need to decriminalize the simple possession of drugs. The recognition and support of human rights, the preservation of the health and safety of those who use drugs and, ultimately, saving lives remain the top priorities of this urgent call for change.
The media are invited to a virtual press conference that will provide a better understanding of the issues and reasons for this position, which also supports the motion introduced by City Councillors Marvin Rotrand and Christian Arseneault that will be debated January 25, 2021 during the next meeting of the Montréal's City Council. This motion stresses the important role that Montréal should play in quickly reforming Canadian drug policy and striking down once and for all any onerous measures targeting drug users.
THE EVENT: A virtual press conference uniting representatives of national, provincial, and Montréal's municipal associations: the Association des intervenants en dépendance du Québec (AIDQ), the Association québécoise pour la promotion de la santé des utilisateurs et utilisatrices de drogues (AQPSUD), the Canadian Students for Sensible Drug Policy (CSSDP), the HIV Legal Network, and the Table des organismes communautaire montréalais en prévention SIDA (TOMS). The associations invited the municipal councillor introducing the motion to present it and explain the motivations behind it.
In preparation for the press conference, you can review relevant documentation here.
WHEN: Tuesday, January 19, 2021, 10 a.m.
WHERE: Register online here to receive a Zoom link.
WHO: Review the list of spokespeople here. The press conference will be held in French, but English spokespeople will be available. This event will be held entirely online. We extend a special invitation to journalists. Individual interviews with spokespeople can be arranged upon request. To make such requests, please contact Vanessa Nonat directly.
SOURCE Association des intervenants en dépendance du Québec (AIDQ)
Press contact: Vanessa Nonat, Communication and Development Manager, +1 514 791 6281, [email protected]
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