25 July 2023
We partnered with CATIE – Canada’s source for HIV and hepatitis C information – on a series of new films focussed on innovative harm reduction models from across the country.
Filmed by visual storyteller Conor Ashleigh, the films take us on a harm reduction journey across Canada to Halifax, Saskatoon, British Columbia and Quebec.
A harm reduction hub in Halifax, Nova Scotia
Halifax is the largest city in Atlantic Canada. In the North End neighbourhood, there is a cluster of services that cater to people who use drugs, and people who face challenges related to homelessness, mental health and more. Direction180, Mainline Needle Exchange, and the North End Community Health Centre are all within a short walk of one another, creating a collaborative “hub” of low-barrier services.
People-first harm reduction in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Saskatoon is located in central Saskatchewan, hugging both sides of the Saskatchewan River. Saskatoon is the traditional territory of Cree, Saulteaux, Dene, Dakota, Lakota, Nakota and Métis nations, and is home to many diverse Indigenous peoples today. Saskatoon has one of the highest concentrations of Indigenous people among large cities in Canada.
Visionary harm reduction in Victoria, British Columbia
Victoria is located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, on the pacific coast of British Columbia. B.C. is arguably the province hit hardest by the toxic drug crisis in Canada, and despite their separation on the Island, Victoria is no different. Victoria has seen increasing overdoses year upon year, and in response, a coalition of innovative programs has emerged.
SABSA: Quebec City’s one-stop shop for people who use drugs
Quebec City is the capital of Quebec, and home to the Coopérative de solidarité SABSA, or “SABSA” for short. SABSA is a low-barrier health clinic that serves marginalized communities including those experiencing homelessness, are street involved or who use drugs.
