May 24, 2022
SHARE
The Backbench
#36 Is Canada Ready to Decriminalize Drugs?
Parliament is heading towards a vote on an NDP Private Member’s Bill that would decriminalize drug possession for personal use, among other changes to address Canada’s overdose crisis. The Liberals have also proposed a bill that would amend the Controlled Drug and Substances Act. Garth Mullins of the Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users has been fighting for decriminalization for a long time as he’s watched friends die and get incarcerated. He talks about these two bills and his vision for healthy drug policy in Canada. 
Kevin Sexton
Producer
Tristan Capacchione
Audio Editor & Technical Producer
Kieran Oudshoorn
Managing Editor, Podcasts

Parliament is heading towards a vote on an NDP Private Member’s Bill that would decriminalize drug possession for personal use, among other changes to address Canada’s overdose crisis. The Liberals have also proposed a bill that would amend the Controlled Drug and Substances Act.

Garth Mullins of the Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users has been fighting for decriminalization for a long time as he’s watched friends die and get incarcerated. He talks about these two bills and his vision for healthy drug policy in Canada.

Links:

Sponsors: Oxio, The Peak, Ground News, Skipper Otto

More from this series
Carney wins, Poilievre loses, Jagmeet steps down. What went down?
April 29, 2025
Today we are bringing you a great episode from our friends at Canardian!
April 25, 2025
April 24, 2025
While most Canadians are gearing up to head to the polls, some are looking for an escape plan.
April 22, 2025
There are 1959 people running to represent YOU in this federal election in the year of our lord 2025 - and we’re looking for dirt. 
April 17, 2025
With two weeks out from election day, Ottawa is buzzing.
April 15, 2025
It’s an election, we’re googling your candidate.
April 10, 2025
Last week, Pierre Poilievre said tick tock goes your biological clock.
April 8, 2025
all podcasts arrow All Podcasts
The Backbench