The government recognized the severity of drug overdoses with the introduction of Yukon’s Opioid Action Plan in November 2018. With the impending end date to the current plan (December 2020) we believe the notion of safe supply should be introduced moving forward as we continue to see a devastating and alarming rate of overdose and death related to opioids and other substances. Addressing the opioid epidemic extends beyond providing Naloxone and harm reduction. Although these actions are life-saving and necessary, they are not enough to stop the unnecessary and avoidable rates of overdose and death that continue to mount as a result of a toxic illicit drug supply. 

We need to advance as a community to support and not punish those who use drugs. With the introduction of a safe supply of drugs, much of this can be avoided. 

A safe supply would give those at risk access to legal and regulated supply of mind- and body-altering drugs. It would lead to an increase in overall health equity and reduce the stigma associated with drug use. Funds currently spent on criminalizing substance use  could be reallocated towards community health resources such as harm reduction, substance use treatment programs, mental health supports and housing. 

Over the past couple of months we have witnessed the mobilization of our community in addressing the Covid-19 pandemic. Our community has demonstrated how powerful change can be if we work together. We are asking our community to rally together once more as we advocate and petition the government for a safe supply.

We are asking the Yukon Government to with urgency and immediacy provide a safe supply system to provide unadulterated access to substances so that people who use substances are not at imminent risk of overdose due to a contaminated source.