On September 16, the Foundation for Drug Policy Solution’s (FDPS) Canada affiliate, the

Policy Roundtable On Substance Prevention, Education, and Recovery, participated in a press conference in Vancouver. FDPS CEO & President Dr. Kevin Sabet, Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim, First Nations leaders, public health experts, and law enforcement officials joined forces to address the urgent mental health and addictions crisis affecting Vancouver and municipalities throughout the province.

Dr. Kevin Sabet said the following, “Our province is 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.”

News coverage of the press conference

Other Coverage of The Press Conference


Global News: Mixed reaction to first supervised drug inhalation site in Vancouver (LINK)


CBC News: British Columbia mayors write to governments demanding mental health action (LINK)


Daily Hive: Several British Columbia mayors form coalition over broken addictions and public safety systems (LINK)


CTV News: British Columbia mayors demand federal funding for involuntary care, bail reforms, port crackdown (LINK)


MSN: British Columbia mayors seek 'immediate action' from governments on mental health crisis (LINK)

PROSPER’s mission is to be the trusted source for non-partisan evidence and policy advice on drugs in Canada. Our vision is to create a culture of prevention and a climate of recovery.


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The Foundation for Drug Policy Solutions (FDPS) is a national drug policy think/action tank whose vision is a world in which children and families thrive, substance use is prevented, and there is rapid access to quality treatment. From prevention and recovery to smart law enforcement and better international cooperation, we are working to change the face of drug policy. Too many people are losing their lives to addiction. It is time for big change.