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Waterloo Region Drug Action Team

@wrdrugactionteam.bsky.social
292 followers 140 following 221 posts

Community-led effort to action solutions to Waterloo Region's drug poisoning tragedy. It's a crisis, not a spectator sport! Unfunded. Volunteer. Non-partisan. Honest. Find us on Insta at: @wrdrugactionteam

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Reposted by Waterloo Region Drug Action Team
Jon Thompson @jonthompson.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
Just a reminder that absolutely no one cares if you're working with your community partners. Even if your local media doesn't find it categorically disqualifying when you say that, zero readers/listeners/viewers will remember you or what you do if you pretend working with community partners is news.
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Reposted by Waterloo Region Drug Action Team
HRNA_AIIRM @hrna.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
👀👀
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Waterloo Region Drug Action Team @wrdrugactionteam.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
G7 Statement, June 17: We will spare no effort to reduce demand and minimise the adverse public health and social consequences of drug use. We will do so by adopting a comprehensive approach that includes awareness-raising and health measures for prevention, treatment, risk reduction and recovery.
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Jon Thompson @jonthompson.bsky.social · 14/06/2026
Congratulations to my boss @ethancox.bsky.social for winning CAJ scoop of the year. I’m not there tonight but I’m very honoured that he chose to share that moment with me. The reaction has been touching in the 30 hours since @ricochetmedia.bsky.social ran this story: ricochet.media/media/thunde...
ricochet.media
Thunder Bay police retaliate against award-winning journalist
Force refuse to send official communications to reporter who won a Canadian Screen Award for exposing misconduct in the department
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Jon Thompson @jonthompson.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
For over a year, Thunder Bay police had two media email lists known as "local" & "national." The national list included Globe & Mail's Willow Fiddler & I. Neither list included local APTN reporter. We were excluded from covering Indigenous missing persons, the cases TBay police infamously fails.
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Euan Thomson @drugdatadecoded.ca · 26/06/2026
NEW Alberta model to destroy harm reduction goes national. Part 1 showed how the provincial government got behind it. Part 2 showed how the cops got behind it. Part 3 is all about the money. And we’re talking tens of millions, in a province of 1 million. drugdatadecoded.ca/out-in-the-c...
drugdatadecoded.ca
Out in the Cold, Part 3: Atlantic Community Shelters Society handed $12.9 million by Province in its first year
Upon taking control of the former Out of the Cold shelters, Atlantic Community Shelters Society got a 72% bump in provincial funding to the facilities. The agency had so much surplus cash in its first...
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Melissa Bowman @dtkmelissa.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
As many suspected, Community Justice Initiatives have not been a part of the work #WRPS is apparently doing to bring a Justice Centre focused on restorative justice approaches. CJI learned of it like we all did - through the media. Disappointed but not surprised. www.instagram.com/p/DZ5xkbuCfY...
To our community: On June 20, 2026, The Waterloo Region Record published an article titled “Police in discussion to bring restorative justice centre to Waterloo Region”, in which we learned that “Waterloo Regional Police are in discussion with the attorney general to establish a Justice Centre for restorative justice program, connecting offenders to community resources, to reduce re-offending and help victims”.

As a community organization practicing and advancing restorative justice for over 40 years in Waterloo Region, we’re right there with you in hearing about this for the first time through the article. CJI has not been involved in conversations connected to this press release, despite maintaining an intentional relationship with Waterloo Regional Police since the inception of our organization.
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Waterloo Region Drug Action Team @wrdrugactionteam.bsky.social · 21/06/2026
#ProtectOntario - from the Government of Ontario.
This chart from Hamilton, Ontario shows record-setting drug poisoning calls to paramedics occurring since Ontario's Conservative MPPs eliminated the supervised consumption service (SCS/CTS) that managed many overdoses on site without requiring paramedic assistance.  Hamilton is not the only Ontario community or paramedic service straining under the weight of Ontario's fact-free decision to defund life-saving SCS/CTS sites.
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Waterloo Region Drug Action Team @wrdrugactionteam.bsky.social · 21/06/2026
Such an insatiable corporate appetite from WRPS-RMOW for the destruction of community-led expertise and experience producing real results. Another loss for public health and safety, and a win for self-induced national embarrassment.
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Michael Druker 🇨🇦 @mdruker.app · 21/04/2026
The [dystopian] future is already here, it’s just not evenly distributed
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Thomas Piggott MD PhD @twpiggott.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
I just finished my last quarterly meeting with staff at the soon to be closed Consumption and Treatment Site. This is a loss for our community, that, come summer, will be seen in our streets, ambulances, emerges and in deaths of people using drugs.
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Waterloo Region Drug Action Team @wrdrugactionteam.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
#ProtectOntario - from the unsafe governments of #Ontario, #Alberta, and #Saskatchewan. #YesToSCS
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Reposted by Waterloo Region Drug Action Team
Canadian Drug Policy Coalition @candrugpolicy.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
Today marks 10 years of a public health emergency in BC. Since 2016, at least 18,000 people in BC have died from unregulated drugs. We remember those lost and stand with all who continue to grieve and fight for change. Read more: drugpolicy.ca/10-years-in-...
drugpolicy.ca
10 Years in Crisis: B.C.’s Decade-Long Public Health Emergency - Canadian Drug Policy Coalition
April 14, 2026 marks the 10th anniversary of the declaration of a public health emergency in the province of B.C. following an unprecedented increase in drug-related harms.1 Then provincial health off...
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Alanna Smith @alannasmith.bsky.social · 25/03/2026
Six former Toronto mayors are calling on the Ontario government to restore funding for supervised drug-use sites and repeal legislation that led to many site closings, arguing that deaths and public spending have increased in their wake. @theglobeandmail.com #onpoli
theglobeandmail.com
Ontario should restore funding for supervised drug-use sites, former Toronto mayors say
In the province, EMS calls for opioid overdoses increased by nearly 70% after site closings last April
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Waterloo Region Drug Action Team @wrdrugactionteam.bsky.social · 25/03/2026
#ProtectOntario - from the Ontario government. #YesToSCS
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Waterloo Region Drug Action Team @wrdrugactionteam.bsky.social · 25/03/2026
In 2025,against all evidence and all internal and external advice, the Conservative government of Ontario insisted on making life worse - or impossible - for constituents. They're back for more now. #YesToSCS #ProtectOntario - from the government of Ontario.
i69.5 % increase in EMS-treated opioid toxicities across the province in the 6 months starting April 2025 following the closure of supervised consumption sites in Ontario as per government-recorded data.  Source is ODPRN - EMS calls.
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Reposted by Waterloo Region Drug Action Team
Canadian Drug Policy Coalition @candrugpolicy.bsky.social · 25/03/2026
The #UnitedNations Human Rights Committee released a report rebuking Canada’s narrow interpretation of the “right to life” and called for action to save and protect lives. Read more: drugpolicy.ca/un-committee...
drugpolicy.ca
UN Committee Rejects Canada’s Position, Calls for Action on Preventable Deaths - Canadian Drug Policy Coalition
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  Ottawa, Canada | March 24, 2026—Yesterday, the United Nations Human Rights Committee released a report rebuking Canada’s narrow interpretation of the “right to life” and called ...
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CPHA - ACSP @cpha-acsp.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
Closing supervised consumption services in Alberta will cost lives.   Following Ontario, this is a troubling shift away from evidence-informed responses to the toxic drug crisis. These services save lives and connect people to care. Governments must reverse course.   🔗 www.cpha.ca/alberta-scs-clo...
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ℳatt @matttomic.bsky.social · 08/01/2026
Add another one to the great big board of "Urban Planning Debates: Academic Research vs. Some Guy"
A board of Peer-Reviewed Academic Research vs. Some Guy, whose generic white businessman avatar is taken from the classic Onion article of the guy who says "no it won't" in response to critique of the Iraq War.

Supervised consumption sites can reduce local crime, while improving health outcomes VS. No they don't

Building more highways will keep traffic congestion levels the same VS. No it won't

Speed cameras lead to a reduction in speeds and fewer deaths VS. No they don't

Increasing the police budget will not have a measurable impact on lowering crime rates VS. Yes it will
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Canadian Drug Policy Coalition @candrugpolicy.bsky.social · 12/11/2025
[Webinar] Explore how drug policy & migration intersect, the rights & freedoms at stake, & what it takes to build policies that protect people—amid fear-driven politics from “fentanyl czar” to Bills C-2 & C-12, & Canada’s complicity in U.S. actions abroad. Register: us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
us06web.zoom.us
Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: Confronting Fear-Based Politics – Drug Policy, Borders and Migration . After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.
In times of uncertainty, politicians scapegoat marginalized communities—blaming groups like migrants and people who use drugs for complex societal challenges. From the creation of a "fentanyl czar" to...
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Eric Wickham @ericwickham.ca · 24/10/2025
Sharing this article again because it's the culmination of a few months of work from me - and people should be reading about it.
pressprogress.ca
Ontario Cities Are Clearing Homeless Encampments. Where Are People Supposed to Go?
Amidst a housing crisis with no end in sight, municipalities across the province have been cracking down on the unhoused
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Waterloo Region Drug Action Team @wrdrugactionteam.bsky.social · 23/10/2025
UPDATE: The Government of Ontario has now formally voted AGAINST creating a plan to eliminate homelessness within 10 years. Data from across Ontario continues to reflect the absence of provincial success. Gratitude to @aislinnclancy.bsky.social for your efforts to #ProtectOntario
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Waterloo Region Drug Action Team @wrdrugactionteam.bsky.social · 23/10/2025
#BREAKING The P.C.-led Government of Ontario has just voted AGAINST ending homelessness within 10 years via the Housing Ends Homeless Act, legislation supported by Greens, Liberal, and NDP MPPs. Bill 28: www.ola.org/en/legislati...
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Waterloo Region Drug Action Team @wrdrugactionteam.bsky.social · 24/09/2025
Cambridge, Ontario: "A place for people to prosper - alive with opportunity." www.cambridgetoday.ca/local-news/c...
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WRLegalServices @wrlegalservices.bsky.social · 22/08/2025
"Region cannot enforce encampment-clearing bylaw until after November hearing decision." - CTV News Check out the news segment at bit.ly/47alX8W
bit.ly
Court rules in favour of Kitchener encampment residents, pausing plans to evict them
The Region of Waterloo’s plans to evict residents at a Kitchener encampment have been put on hold after a judge ruled in favour of the residents.
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WRLegalServices @wrlegalservices.bsky.social · 21/08/2025
Great new!👍The Court has granted an injunction for the 100Vic Encampment Case! The Region is restrained from enforcing its Site-Specific By-law until the constitutionality of the bylaw can be determined following the hearing in November. Read the decision at: wrcls.ca/3878-2
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Waterloo Region Drug Action Team @wrdrugactionteam.bsky.social · 21/08/2025
Injunction! May the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms prevail. Huge gratitude due to @wrlegalservices.bsky.social and many more. www.therecord.com/news/waterlo...
therecord.com
BREAKING: Judge sides with encampment residents, pausing Waterloo Region’s eviction plans
The Superior Court of Ontario has ruled in favour of the residents at the Victoria Street encampment in downtown Kitchener, pausing any plans to remove them from the site.
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Ariel Troster @arieltroster.bsky.social · 20/08/2025
Doug Ford was asked about misrepresenting crime stats in Somerset Ward and showed that he doesn’t even know where our neighbourhood is on a map.
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CPHA - ACSP @cpha-acsp.bsky.social · 20/08/2025
Ontario misled the public on crime data to justify closing supervised consumption sites. Evidence shows these services save lives & improve community safety. #HarmReduction tinyurl.com/ybuhw3hf
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karen ward @kwardvancouver.bsky.social · 20/08/2025
the media reported that at the time, a year ago. is there any reason to believe that facts are suddenly relevant now? this is a serious question. www.ctvnews.ca/toronto/arti...
ctvnews.ca
Toronto neighbourhoods with drug consumption sites saw many types of crime drop: data
One of the Doug Ford government’s rationales for a sweeping policy that would shutter supervised drug consumption sites was that they are linked to crime – but a review of publicly posted Toronto poli...
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Ariel Troster @arieltroster.bsky.social · 19/08/2025
The closure of the supervised consumption site has made the community less safe. With no place to go, people are using drugs on the street and closer to children. www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
cbc.ca
Is Chinatown safer without a supervised consumption site? Neighbours say no | CBC News
Two months after Somerset West Community Health Centre closed its injection site, neighbours say they've witnessed a surge in public drug use.
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Ariel Troster @arieltroster.bsky.social · 20/08/2025
Yesterday, @cmckenney.bsky.social and I confronted Health Minister Sylvia Jones about the unsubstantiated statistics that she used to justify closing the supervised consumption site at the Somerset West Community Health Centre.
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Waterloo Region Drug Action Team @wrdrugactionteam.bsky.social · 18/08/2025
"We are going to make sure we find proper shelter for these people." - Premier Doug Ford, 2024 #ProtectOntario #AMO2025
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Waterloo Region Drug Action Team @wrdrugactionteam.bsky.social · 18/08/2025
25,000 un-prevented #overdose deaths - and so many injuries - since the Ontario government came to Queen’s Park in 2018 and made a preventable crisis much worse, for everyone, everywhere. Ontario's PC drug policies remain deadly in 2025- OBVIOUSLY. #IOAD2025 #ProtectOntario #Onmuni #AMO2025
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Waterloo Region Drug Action Team @wrdrugactionteam.bsky.social · 18/08/2025
One year after the #ONgov's #AMO announcement to abandon evidence-based public service and defund #CTS #SCS sites - over the unequivocal advice of internal and external advisors and then some - @jackhauen.bsky.social follows up. #ProtectOntario READ: www.cambridgetoday.ca/local-news/o...
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Moms Stop The Harm @momsstoptheharm.bsky.social · 13/08/2025
In St. Mary's, ON? Consider going to support this IOAD event! Flag raising and speakers starting at 9:30am EST, Aug. 31st. Please see poster for more details.
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Waterloo Region Drug Action Team @wrdrugactionteam.bsky.social · 11/08/2025
Tuesday August 12, 6:30pm onwards. Roos Island, Willow Park, Kitchener. kitchener.citynews.ca/2025/08/11/w...
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Toronto & York Region Labour Council @labourcouncil.bsky.social · 06/08/2025
"Other users named in the documents include municipal police in Edmonton, Waterloo, Hamilton, Saskatoon & York, the provincial police forces in ON and QC, the ON and Toronto police unions and every ministry of the ON govt"
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Waterloo Region Drug Action Team @wrdrugactionteam.bsky.social · 01/08/2025
August 12, 6:30pm onwards. Come! The harm reduction community has been hit hard this year. We've lost friends, family, life saving services and parts of ourselves to policies that continue to fail us. But still, we gather. Still, we care for one another. Still, we resist.
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Regan Sunshine Brussé @reganbrusse.bsky.social · 15/07/2025
"We cannot continue to claim we are pursuing a human rights-based approach if, at critical moments like these, we refuse to take responsibility for meaningful change and fail to act in accordance with the very principles we proclaim ourselves wishing to uphold." #HumanRIghts #Unsheltered
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THRIVE HIV @thrivehiv.bsky.social · 15/07/2025
Today, during a heatwave, Cambridge bylaw and police used heavy machinery to throw out 4 unhoused peoples personal belongings. With no suitable shelter options, they face serious health risks. Evictions should be paused during extreme weather. Learn a better way: homelesshub.ca/book/office-...
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Doctors for Safer Drug Policy @dsdp.ca · 24/06/2025
@hivlegalnetwork.bsky.social and @hracollective.bsky.social are co-hosting a series of incredible speakers from across the country to mark the annual Global Day of Action! REGISTER HERE: www.eventbrite.ca/e/care-not-c... #SupportDontPunish #HarmReduction #CareNotCriminalization
Support Don't Punish.  Care Not Criminalization.  June 26.  1PM Pacific time.All the many group logos of participating groups: MSTHL, CSSDP, CDPC, HRNA, DSDP, and many others.
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HIV Legal Network @hivlegalnetwork.bsky.social · 20/06/2025
Our new resource – created in partnership with @pivotlegalsociety.bsky.social and @candrugpolicy.bsky.social lays out the legal implications of operating an Overdose Prevention Site in Ontario and protections for operators and patrons. www.hivlegalnetwork.ca/site/it-is-n...
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Angela Welz @heartforward.bsky.social · 12/06/2025
📢 New study shows safe supply saves lives. Research in ON found people on safer opioid supply (like hydromorphone) had fewer overdoses, ER visits & deaths, even those with complex health needs. It’s not either/or with methadone. We need both. #SupportDontPunish #SafeSupplyWorks
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Waterloo Region Drug Action Team @wrdrugactionteam.bsky.social · 12/06/2025
Region doubles down on defunding doublespeak, WR DAT disagrees. kitchener.citynews.ca/2025/06/11/r...
kitchener.citynews.ca
Committee cutting funding to drug strategy this year
A committee has decided to stop funding its integrated drug strategy, opting to redirect those funds to HART Hubs.
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Waterloo Region Drug Action Team @wrdrugactionteam.bsky.social · 05/06/2025
The Waterloo Region Integrated Drugs Strategy - aka WRIDS and at one time a model for other municipalities- has been defunded by the Region and is officially dead.
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Waterloo Region Drug Action Team @wrdrugactionteam.bsky.social · 29/05/2025
Show up Saturday at noon at Kitchener City Hall to protect the health and safety of people lacking housing/shelter (Bill 6) and the ecology of Ontario (Bill 5) from a hostile, provincial government. #ProtectOntario
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Gord Johns @gordjohns.bsky.social · 12/05/2025
Many warned the closure of supervised consumption sites would increase public drug use. Unfortunately, that prediction seems to be coming true in an Ottawa neighbourhood: www.cbc.ca/news/canada/....
cbc.ca
Is Chinatown safer without a supervised consumption site? Neighbours say no | CBC News
Two months after Somerset West Community Health Centre closed its injection site, neighbours say they've witnessed a surge in public drug use.
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HIV Legal Network @hivlegalnetwork.bsky.social · 12/05/2025
Join us for a webinar with people who lived and organized through the HIV/AIDS epidemic and those currently working at the intersections of harm reduction, drug policy, Indigenous rights, and HIV/AIDS. May 14 - 1–2:30pm EST | 10–11:30am PST sfu.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
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Social Planning Toronto @planningtoronto.bsky.social · 06/05/2025
Bill 6, introduced by the province, treats homeless people like criminals. It proposes six months of jail time and an impossible $10,000 fine for homeless people living outdoors. You can use this form to e-mail your MP telling them to rescind Bill 6: win.newmode.net/encampmentju...
win.newmode.net
New/Mode | Make your voice impossible to ignore
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