432-00989 (Health)

Whereas the opioid crisis is one of the largest public health emergencies of our lifetime, with a death approximately every two hours (on average) and a death toll of almost 15,400 in a mere four years (January 2016 to December 2019).

Whereas the overdose crisis rages, showing few signs of abating.

We, the undersigned, call upon the Government of Canada:

• 1) to declare the overdose crisis a national public health emergency so that is taken seriously and funded appropriately.

• 2) to immediately work with provinces and territories to develop a comprehensive, pan-Canadian action plan, which includes full consideration of reforms that other countries have used to significantly reduce drug-related fatalities and stigma, such as legal regulation and decriminalization for simple possession of illicit drugs.