WINNIPEG (TREATY 1) - On International Overdose Awareness Day, Manitoba Health Coalition Provincial Director Thomas Linner stated the following:

“Manitoba is facing a toxic drug supply crisis. Over 400 Manitobans died last year of a drug overdose. This year, by all indications, will be worse.

Under Premier Pallister and now Premier Stefanson, Manitoba is uniquely hostile to harm reduction efforts amongst Canadian provinces. The overdose crisis is spiralling out of control while our provincial government continues with a cynical and self-defeating law enforcement approach to a public health emergency. Manitoba is the only province west of Atlantic Canada without even one dedicated supervised consumption site.

Premier Stefanson and Mental Health and Community Wellness Minister Guillemard must reverse course, declare a Public Health Emergency and take the following steps:

• Establish, fund and staff a supervised consumption site in Winnipeg and in other centres where appropriate
• Work to provide access to a safe and regulated supply of drugs for known users to avoid unnecessary deaths
• Invest aggressively in drug testing technologies

Not to act is to accept more death and more chaos on our streets and in our communities. That cannot continue.We send our love to everyone who has lost a loved one to overdose. You are seen. You are valued. We stand with you.”

Manitobans are encouraged to send an online letter to their MLA to support declaring the drug poisoning crisis a Public Health Emergency.

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International Overdose Awareness Day events in Manitoba (via MomsStopTheHarm.ca)

In Brandon there will be a solidarity walk beginning at 11:45am at Princess Park, followed by programming from 12pm-3pm including: Overdose Prevention and Naloxone Training, Harm Reduction and Safer Sex Supply Distribution, Resource Booths, Smudge and Drumming with Elders, Hoola Hoop Demo, Art Table, Food, Prizes and more!

At 7pm there will be a Candlelight Vigil at the Discovery Centre by the bridge.

In Winnipeg starting at 11am the Manitoba Harm Reduction Network will be running a harm reduction fair at the Legislative Grounds. Sunshine House will bring their Mobile Overdose Prevention Site (MOPS). There will be drummers, speakers, and more. 

5:30pm: Vigil at the Gone Too Soon Garden