Drug policy in Canada is rooted in racism and colonialism, and Indigenous communities have experienced long histories of drug policy harms. Among Indigenous people living with HIV, transmissions are attributable to injection drug use at a much higher rate than for non-Indigenous populations, while Indigenous peoples have also suffered a disproportionate proportion of fatal overdoses … Read more
Over the years, the HIV Legal Network has participated in inquests exploring the growing number of drug poisoning deaths in Ontario jails. Following a 2020 inquest at the Elgin-Middlesex Detention Center involving the tragic drug poisoning deaths of two men, the jury made important and unprecedented recommendations to Ontario’s Ministry of the Solicitor General to … Read more
Drug policy affects the health of queer people and communities. The health of queer people who use drugs must not be overlooked in our fight for sensible drug policy. And 2SLGBTQ+ rights organizations must not ignore the rights and health of queer people who use drugs. Our new resources aim to raise awareness and build … Read more
This guide was prepared by the HIV Legal Network to answer some common questions about HIV disclosure and the criminal law in Canada. This guide gives you legal information, not legal advice — the difference between the two is important.
A human rights approach is essential to eliminating HCV as a public health threat, and capturing the social, cultural, economic, and other barriers to the enjoyment of rights, including the right to health. This approach also provides a mechanism to hold governments accountable to their human rights promises.
This brochure was prepared by the HIV & AIDS Legal Clinic Ontario (HALCO), HIV Legal Network, African Caribbean Council on HIV/ AIDS in Ontario (ACCHO), Africans in Partnership Against AIDS (APAA), and Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention (Black CAP). It will provide you with important information about the law in Canada. If you need legal advice, … Read more
In 2023, the federal Standing Committee on Health began a study on the ‘Opioid Epidemic and Toxic Drug Crisis’. The HIV Legal Network, together with the Centre on Drug Policy Evaluation, submitted a joint brief in 2024 detailing key legal determinants of health that have spurred the toxic drug crisis, focusing on the need for … Read more
On International Testing Week, more than 40 organizations from across Canada sign statement of support This statement can be attributed to the HIV Legal Network, HIV & AIDS Legal Clinic Ontario and the Canadian AIDS Society. Toronto, ON (November 23, 2023) – Today, more than 40 health and human rights organizations across the country have … Read more
HIV self-testing is a powerful tool, particularly if delivered through an approach that meets people where they are. Making self-tests available can promote uptake by offering people privacy, independence, and control as they decide when and where to take an HIV test. By increasing access and empowering individuals, HIV self-testing is an innovative way to … Read more