Health committee  Is it currently accessible?

Health committee  I don't know absolutely, but I assumed it was, yes.

Health committee  It's not a prescription drug.

Health committee  That's right, yes. There's a cost.

Health committee  The first responder arriving on the scene would have to establish the patient's level of consciousness, and determine that there is an overdose. Usually there are good signs because there are needles close by in an alley to determine that. Then a little pain stimuli to see if you

Health committee  That's exactly right.

Health committee  At the risk of over-simplifying, I think it's a matter of housing and mental health support. I'm sure you're familiar with the housing crisis in the city of Vancouver, and it gets no easier in the Downtown Eastside when a single-storey affordable bakery for the local residents

Health committee  I can't speak to that.

Health committee  I think so, and that conversation was taking place at that meeting a couple of weeks ago where our chief said everything's okay. A police officer presented as well on that very subject, so that conversation is happening. If it's not implemented right now, I'm sure it will be.

Health committee  As Lee said, it would be recognizing that it's a national problem and helping with the limited municipal resources. As was noted, we're quite active on the local scene trying to work with the council and the chief for more staffing, which they get a lot of push-back about. Since

Health committee  Thank you for the question. I'll introduce my colleague Lee Lax as well. It's a great point. Naloxone doesn't prevent overdoses. It doesn't fix the problem. Tomorrow our chief could put a hundred more firefighters in the Downtown Eastside, but it doesn't change a thing.

Health committee  I feel that the problem is a health one. With or without the naloxone, somebody is going to get high. They're addicts, and I think with or without naloxone....just living there and watching it and working there, no, I don't think so. Addicts will continue to use because they

Health committee  Thank you, Mr. Chair. I am a firefighter in Vancouver. I'm also chair of a political engagement committee for our union, Vancouver Fire Fighters, International Association of Fire Fighters - Local 18. The Vancouver firefighters appreciate this opportunity to share our views wit