Letter to federal Industry Minister Maxime Bernier and federal Health Minister Tony Clement re: international expert consultation on Canada’s Access to Medicines Regime

“We write with regard to the government’s review of Canada’s Access to Medicines Regime (CAMR), currently underway, and to share you with some highlights of findings from a recent international consultation our organizations co-hosted to examine CAMR and related issues. . . . “The full report of the Expert Consultation will follow in due course, … Read more

Letter to Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade re: Intellectual property issues in bilateral FTA negotiations

“As one of the civil society organizations that has been actively engaged over several years in policy discussions with the federal government regarding the issue of intellectual property law and access to affordable medicines in developing countries — and in particular the provisions of Canada’s Access to Medicines Regime (CAMR) — we write to raise … Read more

Sticking Points: Barriers to Access to Needle and Syringe Programs in Canada

Needle and syringe programs (NSPs) are a proven, cost-effective way of reducing the transmission of bloodborne viruses such as HIV and Hepatitis C (HCV) among people who use drugs. They do not result in increased crime in neighbourhoods nor do they lead to drug use. Harm reduction, including NSPs, has been endorsed by Canadian federal, … Read more

Legal Network News 27 – June 2007

FEATURES Warsaw conference showcases Legal Network’s harm reduction work Legal Network steps up access to medicines advocacy in Ottawa AGM honours Ruth Carey and HALCO, hears stories of grassroots action to influence policy change MEDIA SCAN MOVING ON Taslim Madhani and Alana Klein head east PROFILE Students’ paths converge at Legal Network IN BRIEF MSM … Read more

Letter to the UN Secretary-General re: Exploitation by China of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

“As has been reported repeatedly in international media, since 1990 China has ‘celebrated’ the International Day by executing persons convicted of drug crimes. These executions are often held in public venues, such as stadiums, and sometimes shown on television. In addition to the basic due-process questions and other human rights concerns raised by these executions … Read more