Harper's plan to renew InSite's permit for only six months – outrageous after extensive research shows the need for safe injection site
Nurses condemn and challenge Harper's plan to wage war on drugs
"What if Prime Minister Harper had to endure the same unreasonable standards to get re-elected, that he has demanded of InSite just to keep their doors open for another six months?" asks Debra McPherson, BCNU President. "What if Harper had to jump through the same red-tape and numerous loop-holes just to govern for a meager six month period, even if voters had already cast their votes in favour?
"Harper's recent demands of InSite are outrageous, given that extensive evidence-based research has been done many times over that supports maintaining and expanding harm reduction services not eliminating them. It's just political posturing, as Harper waits for re-election and then slams the proverbial door shut.
"And, his shortsighted punitive strategy to wage war on drugs with criminal penalties that have proven to not work elsewhere, will put already compromised individuals at greater health risk," says McPherson.
BC's paltry share of the $32 million set aside for treatment will only amount to enough money to run about 10 detox beds for a year. It provides next to nothing for prevention and yet research has also shown how valuable prevention, treatment, on-going counseling and support can be for any individual with a health care issue, addictions or otherwise.
"It makes no sense to eliminate this critical health service when there is a greater need to expand it. The federal government should be ashamed at their poor public health decision in light of all the research and should take action now to keep InSite open indefinitely."
Since 2000, the BC Nurses' Union has been a strong supporter of Vancouver's Four Pillars drug strategy focusing on harm reduction, prevention, treatment and enforcement and advocated to ensure that InSite opened in 2003.
The BC Nurses' Union will continue to work with individuals, community groups and organizations, local politicians and the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority to lobby to keep the site open and to promote strategies that promote health, not end it.
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