Reducing the Harm Associated with Injection Drug Use in Canada

7. Next Steps

In taking the next steps to address injection drug use, governments and other stakeholders should:

• recognize the importance of injection drug use as an urgent health and social issue requiring both short and long-term action;
  
• adopt the goals and principles as outlined in this paper;
  
• endorse the continued collaborative work of federal/provincial/territorial colleagues and other stakeholders in reducing the harms associated with injection drug use;
  
• support the priority actions identified to reduce the harms associated with injection drug use and demonstrate leadership within respective jurisdictions; and
  
• use the framework, as appropriate, to develop comprehensive, strategic action plans to reduce the harms associated with injection drug use in Canada.

8. Conclusion

The injection use of drugs is a health and social issue with dramatic costs and consequences for individuals, families and communities in Canada. It is time for a multi-level national dialogue and comprehensive action. The dialogue and action should acknowledge the seriousness of injection drug use, respect the rights and dignity of those who inject drugs, reflect a population health perspective, work within the broader context of Canada's Drug Strategy, the Canadian Strategy on HIV/AIDS, and the Hepatitis C Prevention, Support, and Research Program, and demonstrate a commitment to a long-term, multisectoral, and coordinated approach.

It is time to start paying attention to the overwhelming evidence of the urgent need to address injection drug use in this country. It is time for all jurisdictions and stakeholders to work together to renew their commitment to reducing the harms associated with injection drug use. Now is the time to act for a healthier future for those who inject drugs and ultimately for all Canadians.