Insite Decision Great News for Vancouver, New Democrats Say

BC NDP

VANCOUVER– The Supreme Court of Canada’s decision to allow Insite to remain open is great news and a tremendous victory for the advocates and the community who fought to keep the facility, say the New Democrats.

“The Supreme Court affirmed that Insite saves lives,” said New Democrat MLA Jenny Kwan (Vancouver – Mount Pleasant). “That should be the first priority of the federal government, not some ideological crusade to show that they are tough on crime. Ideology should not trump science at the expense of people's lives.

“Insite is more than just a safe injection site,” said Kwan. “It provides access to medical care to people who might otherwise not have access to health professionals. It prevents the spread of communicable disease and it is an important resource to connect the drug addicted to treatment and detox services.

“This facility is a benefit to our community. It would be morally bankrupt to have Insite shut down.”

The Supreme Court of Canada ruled Friday morning that the federal government must grant an immediate exemption to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and allow Insite to remain open.

“We owe a huge debt of gratitude to the community who fought all the way to the Supreme Court of Canada to keep Insite open,” said Kwan. “This is a victory for the downtown eastside; they showed incredible courage and incredible strength in speaking out to protect the lives of these most vulnerable citizens. This decision is to their credit.”

Kwan introduced a private member’s bill in the legislature in 2008 to have Insite designated a provincial health facility. The B.C. Liberals refused to support the bill.

“Dead people don't detox. Insite is too valuable to just abandon,” said Kwan. “The government should have supported my private member’s bill in 2008 to show everyone that British Columbia is committed to the principle of harm reduction because everyone deserves the chance to succeed in life.”