Ruth Fox
@ruthfox21.bsky.social
Reposted by Ruth Fox
2/ It's not about parental rights at all, but about stigmatizing what is outside their ideological comfort zone. Drug addiction is another example. They don't see it as a disease with different treatment models, they are only interested in stigmatizing the behavior of people with an illness. #ableg
November 21, 2025 at 4:08 AM
2/ It's not about parental rights at all, but about stigmatizing what is outside their ideological comfort zone. Drug addiction is another example. They don't see it as a disease with different treatment models, they are only interested in stigmatizing the behavior of people with an illness. #ableg
Reposted by Ruth Fox
You really have to read both of @kwardvancouver.bsky.social’s skeet’s to get how fucked up this is. I’ll just put the headlines side by side.
Displacement and evictions are forms of violence. They result in very observable harms including death and irreparable injury.
#bcpoli
Displacement and evictions are forms of violence. They result in very observable harms including death and irreparable injury.
#bcpoli
November 20, 2025 at 2:03 AM
You really have to read both of @kwardvancouver.bsky.social’s skeet’s to get how fucked up this is. I’ll just put the headlines side by side.
Displacement and evictions are forms of violence. They result in very observable harms including death and irreparable injury.
#bcpoli
Displacement and evictions are forms of violence. They result in very observable harms including death and irreparable injury.
#bcpoli
Reposted by Ruth Fox
It wasn't just drug users, social scientists, Dr. Henry, BC's Chief Coroner.. turns out Health Canada’s expert committee was also urging the govt to expand safe supply.
Instead of listening to science + lived experience, the feds & the BC NDP decided to kill safe supply. shorturl.at/VdxHc
Instead of listening to science + lived experience, the feds & the BC NDP decided to kill safe supply. shorturl.at/VdxHc
They’re at risk of dying from opioid overdose. The government cut funding that could help them | CBC News
As deadly drug overdoses climbed across Canada, decision-makers faced political backlash for funding programs that gave drug users prescribed opioids and, against their own experts’ advice, scaled bac...
shorturl.at
November 14, 2025 at 9:18 PM
It wasn't just drug users, social scientists, Dr. Henry, BC's Chief Coroner.. turns out Health Canada’s expert committee was also urging the govt to expand safe supply.
Instead of listening to science + lived experience, the feds & the BC NDP decided to kill safe supply. shorturl.at/VdxHc
Instead of listening to science + lived experience, the feds & the BC NDP decided to kill safe supply. shorturl.at/VdxHc
Reposted by Ruth Fox
”…this continually unfolding tragedy is a violation of human rights and the result of systemic discrimination…”
B.C. Human Rights Commissioner’s Statement on the Toxic Drug Crisis
bchumanrights.ca/resources/pu...
B.C. Human Rights Commissioner’s Statement on the Toxic Drug Crisis
bchumanrights.ca/resources/pu...
A human rights-based approach to the toxic drug crisis | BC's Office of the Human Rights Commissioner
The Commissioner’s position on the toxic drug crisis, calling for an evidence-based response that centers public health and compassion.
bchumanrights.ca
November 13, 2025 at 11:58 PM
”…this continually unfolding tragedy is a violation of human rights and the result of systemic discrimination…”
B.C. Human Rights Commissioner’s Statement on the Toxic Drug Crisis
bchumanrights.ca/resources/pu...
B.C. Human Rights Commissioner’s Statement on the Toxic Drug Crisis
bchumanrights.ca/resources/pu...
Reposted by Ruth Fox
“Government's obligation is to save lives, reduce harm and improve quality of life for those who have been marginalized, while working toward greater equity for everyone.”
Everyone should take a moment to read this statement from the BC’s Office of the Human Rights Commissioner.
#bcpoli
Everyone should take a moment to read this statement from the BC’s Office of the Human Rights Commissioner.
#bcpoli
A human rights-based approach to the toxic drug crisis would require public policy that recognizes the full humanity of people who use unregulated drugs
which would be a whole new thing
which would be a whole new thing
November 14, 2025 at 1:36 AM
“Government's obligation is to save lives, reduce harm and improve quality of life for those who have been marginalized, while working toward greater equity for everyone.”
Everyone should take a moment to read this statement from the BC’s Office of the Human Rights Commissioner.
#bcpoli
Everyone should take a moment to read this statement from the BC’s Office of the Human Rights Commissioner.
#bcpoli
Reposted by Ruth Fox
[Webinar] Explore how drug policy & migration intersect, the rights & freedoms at stake, & what it takes to build policies that protect people—amid fear-driven politics from “fentanyl czar” to Bills C-2 & C-12, & Canada’s complicity in U.S. actions abroad.
Register: us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Register: us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: Confronting Fear-Based Politics – Drug Policy, Borders and Migration . After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.
In times of uncertainty, politicians scapegoat marginalized communities—blaming groups like migrants and people who use drugs for complex societal challenges. From the creation of a "fentanyl czar" to...
us06web.zoom.us
November 12, 2025 at 8:28 PM
[Webinar] Explore how drug policy & migration intersect, the rights & freedoms at stake, & what it takes to build policies that protect people—amid fear-driven politics from “fentanyl czar” to Bills C-2 & C-12, & Canada’s complicity in U.S. actions abroad.
Register: us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Register: us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Reposted by Ruth Fox
Another one hundred and thirty-two people dead to protect the American-led war on drugs. 💔
The far-right is agitating for this in Canada. It’s never been more urgent to discuss full decrim and regulation of the supply.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
The far-right is agitating for this in Canada. It’s never been more urgent to discuss full decrim and regulation of the supply.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
At least 132 killed in Rio police raid, officials say
The police operation targeting a criminal gang in a densely-populated area of Rio is the deadliest in the city.
www.bbc.com
October 30, 2025 at 12:37 PM
Another one hundred and thirty-two people dead to protect the American-led war on drugs. 💔
The far-right is agitating for this in Canada. It’s never been more urgent to discuss full decrim and regulation of the supply.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
The far-right is agitating for this in Canada. It’s never been more urgent to discuss full decrim and regulation of the supply.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Reposted by Ruth Fox
Institutionalization, detainment, incarceration—under the guise of “accountability”—is the violent weaponization of neoliberal deservingness culture.
Dressed up in language like “humane”, this is nothing more than an attempt to remove people from public view and punish those who won’t/can’t comply.
Dressed up in language like “humane”, this is nothing more than an attempt to remove people from public view and punish those who won’t/can’t comply.
Under Trump, the draconian future of homelessness policy is coming into focus: mass internment. Utah is building a 16-acre site to detain up to 1,300 homeless people inside locked "accountability centers." This is profoundly alarming.
Vital reporting from @ellenbarry.bsky.social and Jason DeParle:
Vital reporting from @ellenbarry.bsky.social and Jason DeParle:
In Utah, Trump’s Vision for Homelessness Begins to Take Shape
www.nytimes.com
October 29, 2025 at 9:22 PM
Institutionalization, detainment, incarceration—under the guise of “accountability”—is the violent weaponization of neoliberal deservingness culture.
Dressed up in language like “humane”, this is nothing more than an attempt to remove people from public view and punish those who won’t/can’t comply.
Dressed up in language like “humane”, this is nothing more than an attempt to remove people from public view and punish those who won’t/can’t comply.
Reposted by Ruth Fox
This isn’t care, it’s containment.
It’s state sanctioned erasure of visible poverty under the language of compassion.
The same moral sleight of hand is happening in Canada, where involuntary “treatment” has been branded as “compassionate intervention”.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
It’s state sanctioned erasure of visible poverty under the language of compassion.
The same moral sleight of hand is happening in Canada, where involuntary “treatment” has been branded as “compassionate intervention”.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
'Absolute garbage': Sask. physician blasts plans to add involuntary addictions treatment | CBC News
Dr. Karissa Brabant, who works with homeless people and those suffering from addictions at a clinic in Moose Jaw, says forced treatment will fail and waste money.
www.cbc.ca
October 29, 2025 at 9:22 PM
This isn’t care, it’s containment.
It’s state sanctioned erasure of visible poverty under the language of compassion.
The same moral sleight of hand is happening in Canada, where involuntary “treatment” has been branded as “compassionate intervention”.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
It’s state sanctioned erasure of visible poverty under the language of compassion.
The same moral sleight of hand is happening in Canada, where involuntary “treatment” has been branded as “compassionate intervention”.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Reposted by Ruth Fox
Sharing this article again because it's the culmination of a few months of work from me - and people should be reading about it.
Ontario Cities Are Clearing Homeless Encampments. Where Are People Supposed to Go?
Amidst a housing crisis with no end in sight, municipalities across the province have been cracking down on the unhoused
pressprogress.ca
October 24, 2025 at 2:27 AM
Sharing this article again because it's the culmination of a few months of work from me - and people should be reading about it.
Reposted by Ruth Fox
The dark side of private rehab facilities
High-priced and unregulated private rehab facilities promote themselves with slick websites promising idyllic settings and medical supervision. We find that's often far from reality.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=wY_a...
High-priced and unregulated private rehab facilities promote themselves with slick websites promising idyllic settings and medical supervision. We find that's often far from reality.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=wY_a...
The dark side of private rehab | Full episode | the fifth estate
YouTube video by the fifth estate
www.youtube.com
October 25, 2025 at 4:03 AM
The dark side of private rehab facilities
High-priced and unregulated private rehab facilities promote themselves with slick websites promising idyllic settings and medical supervision. We find that's often far from reality.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=wY_a...
High-priced and unregulated private rehab facilities promote themselves with slick websites promising idyllic settings and medical supervision. We find that's often far from reality.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=wY_a...
Reposted by Ruth Fox
"It's always the right wing that's using the notwithstanding clause and they're using it to play wedge politics. And however you feel about trans rights … the reality is this — we need to respect people's freedom." -Wab Kinew www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/politics/man...
Manitoba premier criticizes other provinces over notwithstanding clause
WINNIPEG - Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew took a swipe at governments in Saskatchewan, Alberta and Quebec on Thursday as he announced a plan to have judges weigh in on the
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca
October 19, 2025 at 1:33 PM
"It's always the right wing that's using the notwithstanding clause and they're using it to play wedge politics. And however you feel about trans rights … the reality is this — we need to respect people's freedom." -Wab Kinew www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/politics/man...
Reposted by Ruth Fox
You can support the DULF legal fund here: dulf.ca/dulf-aid-2/
Legal Aid Fundraiser II
How You Can Help Donate Directly Now: Zeffy Donations:Donate easily via Zeffy to continue supporting DULF’s fight: E-Transfers and PayPal:Send funds to:druguserliberationfront@gmail.com Join Our Le…
dulf.ca
October 16, 2025 at 3:05 AM
You can support the DULF legal fund here: dulf.ca/dulf-aid-2/
Reposted by Ruth Fox
Thanks to @thetyee.ca for getting this story out to a bigger audience. Some incredible comments by the judge during the closing arguments.
thetyee.ca/Analysis/202...
thetyee.ca/Analysis/202...
DULF Founders 'Being Hung out to Dry,' Says Judge | The Tyee
Arguments in the trafficking trial for providing tested drugs has ended, with a verdict due Nov. 7.
thetyee.ca
October 16, 2025 at 8:58 PM
Thanks to @thetyee.ca for getting this story out to a bigger audience. Some incredible comments by the judge during the closing arguments.
thetyee.ca/Analysis/202...
thetyee.ca/Analysis/202...
Reposted by Ruth Fox
We started DULF because we knew nobody was coming to save us, so we had to save ourselves. It worked. But right wing politicians made themselves famous off scapegoating us. The government de-funded us. The cops raided us. But our day in court is here. thetyee.ca/News/2025/10...
Safe Drugs on Trial: DULF’s Trafficking Case Begins | The Tyee
The founders are charged with trafficking. Their lawyers argue they had a legal exemption from drug laws.
thetyee.ca
October 14, 2025 at 6:51 PM
We started DULF because we knew nobody was coming to save us, so we had to save ourselves. It worked. But right wing politicians made themselves famous off scapegoating us. The government de-funded us. The cops raided us. But our day in court is here. thetyee.ca/News/2025/10...
Reposted by Ruth Fox
Today, more than ever, we must rely on evidence-based supports, like supervised consumption sites. They reduce harms, save lives and connect people with care.
Learn the facts about supervised consumption sites.
📋https://www.ccsa.ca/en/supervised-consumption-sites
▶️ youtu.be/AmMexPM2rm4
Learn the facts about supervised consumption sites.
📋https://www.ccsa.ca/en/supervised-consumption-sites
▶️ youtu.be/AmMexPM2rm4
Supervised Consumption Sites - What are they?
YouTube video by CCSA / CCDUS
youtu.be
October 2, 2025 at 4:51 PM
Today, more than ever, we must rely on evidence-based supports, like supervised consumption sites. They reduce harms, save lives and connect people with care.
Learn the facts about supervised consumption sites.
📋https://www.ccsa.ca/en/supervised-consumption-sites
▶️ youtu.be/AmMexPM2rm4
Learn the facts about supervised consumption sites.
📋https://www.ccsa.ca/en/supervised-consumption-sites
▶️ youtu.be/AmMexPM2rm4
Reposted by Ruth Fox
“This is not “endless accommodation” — this is brutal, socially sanctioned neglect of extremely ill human beings, who are viewed with something far from compassion.”
A powerful counter to the moral entrepreneurs advocating for involuntary “treatment”.
#bcpoli
www.timescolonist.com/opinion/comm...
A powerful counter to the moral entrepreneurs advocating for involuntary “treatment”.
#bcpoli
www.timescolonist.com/opinion/comm...
Comment: We are far from anything resembling 'endless accommodation'
We must get a grip on this tragic humanitarian crisis from the point of view of the people living it.
www.timescolonist.com
September 27, 2025 at 10:56 PM
“This is not “endless accommodation” — this is brutal, socially sanctioned neglect of extremely ill human beings, who are viewed with something far from compassion.”
A powerful counter to the moral entrepreneurs advocating for involuntary “treatment”.
#bcpoli
www.timescolonist.com/opinion/comm...
A powerful counter to the moral entrepreneurs advocating for involuntary “treatment”.
#bcpoli
www.timescolonist.com/opinion/comm...
Reposted by Ruth Fox
"The rise in far-right politics brings the oppression of people who don’t fit into the ideal hierarchy. We have to stand up against the ultra-wealthy and powerful who want to pit us against each other so they can continue to profit from our suffering.“
I’ll be there!
I’ll be there!
September 19, 2025 at 12:15 AM
"The rise in far-right politics brings the oppression of people who don’t fit into the ideal hierarchy. We have to stand up against the ultra-wealthy and powerful who want to pit us against each other so they can continue to profit from our suffering.“
I’ll be there!
I’ll be there!
Reposted by Ruth Fox
I must have missed this “Presidential Determination” piece of imperial American propaganda—it’s getting hard to keep up with the USA’s rapid descent into overt fascism.
A short 🧵
www.state.gov/releases/off...
A short 🧵
www.state.gov/releases/off...
Presidential Determination on Major Drug Transit or Major Illicit Drug Producing Countries for Fiscal Year 2026 - United States Department of State
The following is a Presidential Determination submitted to Congress today: By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States; including section 706(1) ...
www.state.gov
September 19, 2025 at 12:13 AM
I must have missed this “Presidential Determination” piece of imperial American propaganda—it’s getting hard to keep up with the USA’s rapid descent into overt fascism.
A short 🧵
www.state.gov/releases/off...
A short 🧵
www.state.gov/releases/off...
Reposted by Ruth Fox
Read the open letter from the Harm Reduction Nurses Association calling on Prime Minister Mark Carney and the Government of Canada to show courage and act decisively to end preventable drug poisoning deaths.
www.hrna-aiirm.ca/wp-content/u...
www.hrna-aiirm.ca/wp-content/u...
August 27, 2025 at 7:33 PM
Read the open letter from the Harm Reduction Nurses Association calling on Prime Minister Mark Carney and the Government of Canada to show courage and act decisively to end preventable drug poisoning deaths.
www.hrna-aiirm.ca/wp-content/u...
www.hrna-aiirm.ca/wp-content/u...
Reposted by Ruth Fox
Edmonton’s crisis isn’t “addiction” .. it’s a poisoned supply. There is no decline in deaths. One is too many. Alberta’s gov’t lacks knowledge, ignores evidence & blocks harm reduction. Sympathy doesn’t save lives. Safe supply, SCS, & naloxone do. Every life lost is on failed policies, not people.
Edmonton's toxic drug supply 'the most potent' it has been in a very long-time: expert https://edmontonjournal.com/news/local-news/edmontons-toxic-drug-supply-the-most-potent-it-has-been-in-a-very-long-time-expert
𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗹𝘆 𝘂𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 ⇢ CanadaHealthwatch.ca/newsletter
𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗹𝘆 𝘂𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 ⇢ CanadaHealthwatch.ca/newsletter
August 20, 2025 at 1:39 PM
Edmonton’s crisis isn’t “addiction” .. it’s a poisoned supply. There is no decline in deaths. One is too many. Alberta’s gov’t lacks knowledge, ignores evidence & blocks harm reduction. Sympathy doesn’t save lives. Safe supply, SCS, & naloxone do. Every life lost is on failed policies, not people.
Reposted by Ruth Fox
EJ piece on “potent drugs” & #ableg miss the point. This isn’t an “addiction” crisis, it’s a “toxic drug supply” crisis and people are being poisoned. Sympathy isn’t enough. We need safe supply, SCS, naloxone & harm reduction. Real action saves lives, not stigma.
edmontonjournal.com/news/local-n...
edmontonjournal.com/news/local-n...
Edmonton's toxic drug supply 'the most potent' it has been in a very long-time: expert
"The toxic drug supply is the most potent it's been in a long time and we're seeing a rise in carfentanil right now in the Edmonton area."
edmontonjournal.com
August 20, 2025 at 1:47 PM
EJ piece on “potent drugs” & #ableg miss the point. This isn’t an “addiction” crisis, it’s a “toxic drug supply” crisis and people are being poisoned. Sympathy isn’t enough. We need safe supply, SCS, naloxone & harm reduction. Real action saves lives, not stigma.
edmontonjournal.com/news/local-n...
edmontonjournal.com/news/local-n...
Reposted by Ruth Fox
Not just Ontario is misrepresenting and downright lying. Alberta is too.
Ontario misled the public on crime data to justify closing supervised consumption sites. Evidence shows these services save lives & improve community safety. #HarmReduction tinyurl.com/ybuhw3hf
August 20, 2025 at 1:55 PM
Not just Ontario is misrepresenting and downright lying. Alberta is too.
Reposted by Ruth Fox
Yesterday, @cmckenney.bsky.social
and I confronted Health Minister Sylvia Jones about the unsubstantiated statistics that she used to justify closing the supervised consumption site at the Somerset West Community Health Centre.
and I confronted Health Minister Sylvia Jones about the unsubstantiated statistics that she used to justify closing the supervised consumption site at the Somerset West Community Health Centre.
August 20, 2025 at 2:26 PM
Reposted by Ruth Fox
Public health policy shouldn’t be determined by fake statistics or by ideology.
We’re asking Ford to take responsibility for the disaster we are facing in Chinatown due to the provincial decision to end supervised consumption.
People who use drugs deserve better. So does our whole community.
We’re asking Ford to take responsibility for the disaster we are facing in Chinatown due to the provincial decision to end supervised consumption.
People who use drugs deserve better. So does our whole community.
August 20, 2025 at 2:25 PM
Public health policy shouldn’t be determined by fake statistics or by ideology.
We’re asking Ford to take responsibility for the disaster we are facing in Chinatown due to the provincial decision to end supervised consumption.
People who use drugs deserve better. So does our whole community.
We’re asking Ford to take responsibility for the disaster we are facing in Chinatown due to the provincial decision to end supervised consumption.
People who use drugs deserve better. So does our whole community.