VANCOUVER — The Supreme Court of Canada will hear arguments this week about the fate of Vancouver’s safe-injection site.
Insite allows drug addicts to inject heroin under the supervision of a nurse, but the federal Conservative government wants the facility shut down.
The stakes are high because the high court’s decision will affect not only Insite, but the fate of similar sites that could open across the country.
The B.C. government says the evidence is clear — Insite saves lives.
Supporters say it also reduces the spread of HIV and hepatitis, and curbs crime and open drug use.
The federal government rejects that evidence, arguing the facility fosters addiction and runs counter to its tough-on-crime agenda.
The court will decide whether Insite falls under the jurisdiction of the province and whether closing it violates the rights of drug addicts.
Insite allows drug addicts to inject heroin under the supervision of a nurse, but the federal Conservative government wants the facility shut down.
The stakes are high because the high court’s decision will affect not only Insite, but the fate of similar sites that could open across the country.
The B.C. government says the evidence is clear — Insite saves lives.
Supporters say it also reduces the spread of HIV and hepatitis, and curbs crime and open drug use.
The federal government rejects that evidence, arguing the facility fosters addiction and runs counter to its tough-on-crime agenda.
The court will decide whether Insite falls under the jurisdiction of the province and whether closing it violates the rights of drug addicts.