We urge the Standing Committee on Social Policy to uphold the human rights of sex workers by rejecting Bill 96, the Anti-Human Trafficking Act 2017, as it does not help end trafficking but endangers the safety and security of vulnerable people, particularly migrant sex workers.
Canada is in urgent need of comprehensive harm reduction policy that jettisons the failed, costly model of drug prohibition that has ravaged so many lives, from fueling the spread of HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV), to contributing to over-incarceration, to creating conditions for the ongoing epidemic of overdose fatalities. A harm reduction approach must … Read more
“For the reasons we have noted, we urge you to oppose and remove the Senate committee’s three amendments to Bill C-37, as they are contrary to the spirit and purpose of the bill, creating unnecessary mechanisms for delay in determinations regarding exemptions for SCS [safer consumption services] and reflecting an ongoing stigmatization surrounding people who … Read more
“We write to you in advance of Canada’s meeting with senior trade officials from TPP countries on May 2–3 in Toronto to map out the future of the agreement in light of the United States’ withdrawal. This meeting presents a critical opportunity for Canada to demonstrate human rights leadership—both nationally and globally. “As it stands, … Read more
Earlier this year, the Legal Network, HALCO and PASAN produced a poster for people in prison to address common myths about HIV transmission. The poster will be posted in the Admitting and Discharge Area of all provincial correctional institutions in Ontario and in the program rooms on the ranges at Toronto South Detention Centre.
The Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network wishes to add our voice to the many calling for the immediate abolition of all aspects of “street checks” or “carding” used by the Toronto Police Service (TPS).
“The Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network has therefore welcomed the government’s introduction of Bill C-37 in December 2016 that would go some way toward remedying these deficiencies. “In keeping with the government’s stated commitment to harm reduction and to evidence-based policy, the Legal Network recommends two amendments to strengthen Bill C-37, with a view to ensuring … Read more
“We commend your government’s decision to restore funding to the Court Challenges Program (CCP). We applaud your commitment to ‘work continuously to make Canada more diverse, inclusive and equitable.’ And we share the Minister of Justice’s expectation that reinstatement of the CCP ‘will increase access to justice for vulnerable groups and official-language communities.’ “However, in … Read more
It is clear that the withdrawal of the United States means that the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement as previously negotiated is dead. As representatives of many millions of people in a wide range of unions, civil society groups and social movements, we believe that the TPP text, negotiated in secret, served the interests of large … Read more
“The Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network submits this briefing to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in advance of its review of the periodic report of Canada, held during its 17th session from 20 March to 12 April 2017. “In this submission, the Legal Network sets out some selected concerns about the implementation … Read more