(VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA) – Today, Dr. Kevin Sabet will join Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim, and First Nations leaders, public health experts, and law enforcement officials and mayors from across British Columbia to demand urgent action from the federal government to tackle the public safety and the mental health and addictions crisis affecting Vancouver and municipalities throughout the province.
Foundation for Drug Policy Solutions (FDPS) President Dr. Kevin Sabet, an international drug policy expert and former three-time U.S. White House presidential drug policy advisor and Co-Founder of PROSPER, a new B.C.-based organization, the Policy Roundtable On Substance Prevention Education and Recovery (PROSPER), released the following statement in response:
“Our city, province, and country are in the midst of the worst drug crisis in our history, and we need new solutions. Doing the same thing and hoping for a different result isn’t working. Mayor Sim should be applauded for taking initiative and pushing government to introduce a framework for mandatory care. As has been done in many progressive U.S. states, like California, Massachusetts, and Washington state, this can be done in a way that is compassionate and balanced. I am heartened by Premier Eby’s announcement yesterday for more beds dedicated to mandatory care. It’s a good first step, but we must do more.
“Establishing a federal support framework and implementing mandatory care are crucial steps for tackling the mental health and addictions crisis facing BC and beyond. These measures will provide a structured, compassionate approach to support individuals in need, while also ensuring a coordinated effort to address the root causes of addiction and promote public health and community safety. Prime Minister Trudeau has a chance to make a real difference in the lives of Canadians now, and we hope he will listen to this call for a major reform.”
Christy Thompson, Executive Director of PROSPER added: “We need to ensure people have access to health care, treatment, and recovery. PROSPER started with the idea that we need to meet people where they are, but never leave them there. Our province is in crisis, people are suffering, and they deserve better. Recovery is possible for everyone, and we need a treatment system with the framework and resources necessary to support people through their recovery journey. Today’s announcement is a vital step towards getting us there.”