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e-305 (Illicit drug use)

E-petition
Initiated by Meredith MacKenzie from Kingston, Ontario

Original language of petition: English

Petition to the Government of Canada

Whereas:
  • Canada is the world leader in per-capita prescription opioid consumption. Deaths related to opioid overdose are a public health crisis;
  • Naloxone is a medication that has been used in Canada for over 40 years to reverse the effects of opioid overdose, has virtually no side effects and has no abuse potential;
  • Most accidental overdose emergencies involving illicit substance use occurs in the presence of another witness;
  • A study in Ontario has identified that only 46% of those involved in an emergency overdose would call 911. This compare with over 90% who would call for a cardiac arres; and
  • A primary barrier to calling 911 in an overdose has been identified as being fear of police presence and the potential for criminal charges.
We, the undersigned, Citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to amend the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act ("Good Samaritan Law") to exempt from charges for possession a person who seeks emergency medical or law enforcement assistance for themselves or another person following an overdose on a controlled substance.
Open for signature
April 15, 2016, at 5:09 p.m. (EDT)
Closed for signature
August 13, 2016, at 5:09 p.m. (EDT)
Photo - Ron McKinnon
Coquitlam—Port Coquitlam
Liberal Caucus
British Columbia