Canadian Drug Policy Coalition

06/12/2026

The toxic drug crisis is showing up in workplaces across the country, and workers are increasingly being asked to manage the consequences of policy failures they did not create.

Drug policy shapes workplace conditions, public services, and worker safety.

Read the full blog post: https://drugpolicy.ca/the-toxic-drug-crisis-is-a-labour-issue/

06/09/2026

CTS save lives, strengthen public systems, and protect workers.

As Ontario’s toxic drug crisis continues, workers across sectors are being left on the frontlines of preventable emergencies without the supports they need.

Read our latest blog: https://drugpolicy.ca/fords-cts-closures-download-crisis-onto-workers/

06/08/2026

Upcoming webinar hosted by National Right to Housing Network and Waterloo Region Community Legal Services!

Join this webinar to explore the Waterloo court ruling and what it means for homelessness, Charter rights, and government accountability in Canada.

📅 Tuesday, June 16, 2026
🕐 1:00–2:30 PM ET
📍 Online:

Suite en français In a landmark ruling in Waterloo, a judgement from the Ontario Superior Court has declared that discriminatory treatment of people experiencing homelessness is a violation of equality rights under the Charter of Rights & Freedoms. This precedent-setting ruling establishes that gov...

06/03/2026

Last week we attended the CUPE Ontario Convention in Toronto. We met with hundreds of CUPE members and had meaningful conversations about workplace and community safety. We also distributed over 400 naloxone kits, with an overwhelmingly positive response, as members took resources and information back to their locals.

We’re grateful for the opportunity to connect, learn, and stand in solidarity with workers from across the province. Thank you for having us back in solidarity!

Slide 2: It was great seeing Jess and Ari from CUPE 5399!

05/28/2026

Many of the harms commonly associated with drug use are actually caused or intensified by the laws and policies surrounding it.

During CDPC’s appearance before the Irish National Parliament’s Joint Committee on Drug Use (An Comhchoiste um Úsáid Drugaí), Nicole Luongo spoke about how criminalization and prohibition drive preventable harms.

05/28/2026

Last month, CDPC joined the Irish National Parliament’s Joint Committee on Drug Use (An Comhchoiste um Úsáid Drugaí) to share insights on the legislative, policy, and operational changes Ireland could implement to reduce substance use harms.

Watch this clip to hear DJ Larkin's opening remarks.

05/07/2026

05/06/2026

Last week we were in Victoria for the CUPE BC Convention, where our Executive Director DJ Larkin spoke about the toxic drug crisis as a worker issue—and how government policy is shaping harm.

More than a decade into the public health emergency, that impact is showing up in workplaces every day. “CUPE members are actually bearing the brunt of government inaction in the middle of the present crisis,” said Larkin. “Health and social services, municipal workers, housing and community centre staff, education support workers, outdoor workers and library workers everywhere in between are on the front line.”

Larkin also spoke to how stigma continues to shape responses. “Stigma does political work. It helps governments dodge responsibilities. It keeps the focus on people in crisis, instead of the government decisions that helped create the crisis in the first place.”

And the path forward is clear: “Policy is a choice—and through solidarity we can change it.”

Thank you to CUPE BC for having us.

Read more: https://www.cupe.bc.ca/2026/05/02/toxic-drug-public-health-emergency-is-a-workers-issue-canadian-drug-policy-coalition/?fbclid=IwY2xjawRm7LFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFrTkp0ekpmNjExRnltNUF6c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHltxXG7BYyp75ngSdMqOtai0Uj8FmEV0z9bX1w0HmR-wN2mE5mhuDR9o2MZt_aem_Gw3tcjZy5QB9HmGdenu44Q

Slide 5: Karen Ranalletta, DJ Larkin, and Tony Rebelo (Secretary-Treasurer)

Slide 6: CUPE 5536 members and Suzanne Skidmore (BC Federation of Labour President)

05/05/2026

Today, we mark Red Dress Day, honouring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit+ people ( ).

We remember the lives taken, the families and communities impacted, and the ongoing calls for justice that continue to go unanswered.

Colonial violence is embedded in the systems and policies shaping people’s lives today. Punitive drug policies are part of that harm. They disproportionately impact Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit+ people, increasing exposure to criminalization, violence, and systemic neglect.

Take time today to reflect and take action in support of justice for Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit+ people.

Learn more: https://linktr.ee/candrugpolicy

05/05/2026