Health committee  Indeed, it was quite clear. The then government cannot be accused of lying to the public. Its election platform included cracking down on crime and strengthening the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act to impose mandatory minimums for drug-related crime. I remember very clearly

Health committee  In Amsterdam, an undercover police officer who infiltrated criminal gangs told us that he spent months preparing a major operation to arrest the leaders and seize huge quantities of drugs, but the impact lasted just two hours. That's shocking and astounding, to say the least, bec

Health committee  The only way to ensure progress would be to regulate certain drugs. For example, there's talk in Europe about regulating cocaine and MDMA. That kind of approach needs to be followed or, at the very least, considered.

Health committee  Thank you.

Health committee  Yes, thank you. The same goes for us when we hear negative criticism. People can criticize, and they can have concerns or fears about the safe supply or supervised consumption site services we provide, but the fact remains: all these services are delivered in a highly regulated e

Health committee  Perhaps Dr. Sereda can add to this, but is the diversion of prescribed drugs something that should surprise us? No, I don't think it should. It should not come as a surprise. It's unfortunate, to be sure, but I think it is up to the prescriber, so the doctor, to clearly convey to

Health committee  Thank you. Yes, of course, we are on the right track. I said that earlier. What is concerning is the desire among some to go backwards, which would be a monumental mistake. Just think where we would be if those repressive policies had remained in place after 2015: The crisis wou

Health committee  The four pillars of prevention, the four pillars of the Canadian drugs and substances strategy are definitely important. Fortunately, the strategy was reworked and updated. That is the model we should be following.

Health committee  Thank you, Mr. Chair. Members of the committee, thank you for inviting me to take part in your study. It's an issue that deserves your full attention, as well as ours. I am here today as chairman of the board of the Association des intervenants en dépendance du Québec, or AIDQ.