OTTAWA - Canada plans to spell out a reset of its approach to drug policy in New York on Wednesday as officials from around the world gather for a special meeting being billed as the first of its kind in nearly two decades.
Health Minister Jane Philpott, who is leading the Canadian delegation to the United Nations General Assembly special session on drugs, is scheduled to speak on Wednesday morning.
Her address happens to coincide with 4/20 — the annual day of celebration for cannabis culture lovers, which takes on special significance in Canada this year, with the governing Liberals having promised to legalize and regulate marijuana.
In an interview with The Canadian Press, Philpott said she intends to make it clear Canada is moving forward with a public health approach to drug policy that's rooted in evidence, including in its plans for pot.
"We have clearly indicated our plans in terms of marijuana and not only decriminalizing but legalizing, regulating and restricting," she said.
"We believe that is important to do for marijuana. At this point, we are not at a point to go beyond that for other substances, but we will continue to look to the best scientific evidence as we look to make our decisions."
The forum provides Philpott an opportunity to push back against harmful drug policies and to promote health, said Donald MacPherson, the executive director of the Canadian Drug Policy Coalition.
In 1998, the general assembly adopted an action plan that emphasized the need for a "drug-free world" and law enforcement. Critics have argued the so-called "war on drugs" has been ineffective and has undermined public health efforts.
"I think we are seeing a return to evidence-based policy," MacPherson said in an interview, noting that Canada is currently grappling with an overdose epidemic.
He also questions why the U.S. and Canada top the list of countries with the most prescription opioid use.
"It is not as easy as blaming the doctors," MacPherson said. "I think that's a simplistic way of thinking about it ... We need to look in the mirror too and say, 'Why are we gobbling opioids at such a great rate, what is it about us that that's happening.'"
Canadians are increasingly using a number of prescription drugs in addition to illicit substances, Philpott noted.
"One of the biggest challenges right now in Canada is the fentanyl problem — that is one of the areas where we are seeing the most dramatic rises," she said.
"There are other new drugs that have recently come to our attention in the Canadian scene. One is something called W-18 (an opioid) which we are very concerned about. Those are probably some of the biggest concerns on our radar."
Part of Canada's response to the problem includes improving data collection and surveillance to fully assess the depth of the situation, Philpott said, citing that shortcoming as one of the reasons why B.C. moved to declare a public health emergency over its struggle with fentanyl.
She said she was not particularly surprised to see B.C. take that approach.
"I am happy to see the leadership that British Columbia is playing on demonstrating their determination to address problematic substance use, whether it be prescription use or otherwise," she said.
Philpott, a physician for more than 30 years, also said work needs to be done to establish better criteria for prescriptions including powerful opioids.
Evidence would suggest there are a limited number of doctors who may be over-prescribing, though it is important not to paint health care practitioners with one brushstroke, she said.
"I think that out of fairness, the vast majority ... are extremely well informed, extremely concerned themselves with making sure that they are prescribing appropriately but there is more work to be done in that area."
