Madam Chair, I am so proud to be part of a government that understands that compassion and access to treatment and supports for people who use substances is critical in reducing the deaths from opioid overdose, but also ending the stigma for people who use substances.
I have worked extensively with the Province of British Columbia as well as many other provinces. I have written to my colleagues across the country to accelerate their work. We have ensured that people can access programs to provide safer supply, so people reduce their use of toxic street drugs. We have made it easier for communities to set up safe consumption sites. The work continues.
I will continue to work with provinces, territories and, indeed, local communities until they feel it will help them manage opioid overdose and problematic substance use.