Local advocate groups appeal new ID policy at supervised consumption sites in Alberta
Starting Jan. 31, Albertans will be required to show their health care number to access supervised consumption sites.
Earlier this month, a judge dismissed an injunction to delay implementing the new rules, saying it restricts Alberta’s ability to implement its addictions policy.
Moms Stop the Harm and the Lethbridge Overdose Prevention Society (LOPS) brought forward an urgent appeal that went before the courts on Thursday.
“We are concerned with those people that are vulnerable and don't have voices. The bottom line is how we can help save lives,” said Kym Porter with Moms Stop the Harm.
Harm reduction groups and advocates such as Moms Stop the Harm and LOPS are asking the provincial government to reverse their decision on the policy change, saying it's only going to create more overdoses deaths in the province.
“My number one concern is that people won't use that support and there will be more deaths. There's nothing beyond that,” said Porter.
Approximately 140 people have died from substance-related overdoses between January and October 2021 - a 26 per cent increase from the same time period the year prior.
PROVINCE RESPONDS
In a statement from Alberta’s Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addiction, Mike Ellis, reads in part:
“As this matter is once again before the courts, I will not be commenting on any specifics however we are confident in our position. These quality standards were introduced to ensure that clients are better connected to the health-care system, to improve the quality of services that are being offered to people with addiction and to ensure community safety in the areas surrounding supervised consumption sites.”
Porter says those using the sites are already dealing with stigma and having to show their healthcare card will only deter those individuals away.
“A number of people that are using supervised consumption sites have struggled with the healthcare system and have been stigmatized within that system, so that's a concern of theirs that this will add further issues,” Porter added.
A decision on the matter is expected to be released in the coming days. Porter says, all they can do now is wait.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
WHO likely to issue wider alert on contaminated cough syrup
The World Health Organization is likely to issue a wider warning about contaminated Johnson and Johnson-made children's cough syrup found in Nigeria last week, it said in an email.
WATCH Video shows dramatic police takedown of carjacking suspects chased through parking lot north of Toronto
Police have released video footage of a dramatic takedown of a group of teens wanted in connection with an attempted carjacking in Markham earlier this month.
Canada, G7 urge 'all parties' to de-escalate in growing Mideast conflict
Canada called for 'all parties' to de-escalate rising tensions in the Mideast following an apparent Israeli drone attack against Iran overnight.
'It was all my savings': Ontario woman loses $15K to fake Walmart job scam
A woman who recently moved to Canada from India was searching for a job when she got caught in an online job scam and lost $15,000.
Families to receive Canada Child Benefit payment on Friday
More money will land in the pockets of some Canadian families on Friday for the latest Canada Child Benefit installment.
After COVID, WHO defines disease spread 'through air'
The World Health Organization and around 500 experts have agreed for the first time on what it means for a disease to spread through the air, in a bid to avoid the confusion early in the COVID-19 pandemic that some scientists have said cost lives.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.