Stimulus 2020: Drugs, Policy and Practice in Canada
is happening at a pivotal time for our country.

The Canadian Drug Policy Coalition has launched COVID-19 Harm Reduction Resources. As two public health crises collide, we’re gathering insight and guidance on best practices for people who use drugs and healthcare providers.

Une ressource en français est disponible sur le site Web de l’AIDQ. 

(posted 3/20/20)

————————

We recognize that people may be worried about Stimulus 2020: Drugs Policy and Practice in Canada scheduled for Gatineau/Ottawa September 29-Oct 2, 2020.

Stimulus co-hosts, partners and staff continue to follow coronavirus developments by provincial, national and international health experts. Through our work, we have a strong connection with Health Canada and we continue to follow their and Global Affairs advice.

Stimulus 2020 is 6 months away and we continue to believe that Stimulus 2020 will not be impacted by the coronavirus.

Early bird registrations and scholarship applications are open.  You can contact us through this website or social media channels if you have any questions.

The Stimulus conference acknowledges that another public health crisis continues to unfold in Canada at this time. People continue to die at alarming rates from accidental poisoning from a toxic illegal drug market and the work to protect the health and safety of those who use drugs must continue. We laud the current efforts by governments to stem the tide of COVID19 cases and wish a similar level of response was taking place to save the lives of people at risk of overdose death in Canada.

——————-

Communities across Canada continue to struggle in the midst of an opioid overdose crisis, illegal drug markets are flourishing, and people who use drugs continue to be criminalized and marginalized within systems of health, social care and economic support.

It is during crises such as these where diverse communities must come together to share knowledge and build networks of mutual support to tackle the daunting challenges that lay ahead. Stimulus 2020—Canada’s largest harm reduction and drug policy gathering—
is that space for collaboration and support.

Stimulus 2020 is a two-and-a-half day event that will draw on the expertise of people who use drugs, nurses, social workers, physicians, corrections staff, frontline workers, people involved in sex work, researchers, and other key stakeholders from across Canada. The event is the largest harm reduction and drug policy gathering in Canada.

Registration costs will be kept as low as possible so that as many people as possible can attend. Scholarships will be available. Stimulus 2020 will include varied activities including, workshops, plenaries, panels, oral presentations and community tours.

You can watch highlights from 2018 here.