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Decentralized Democracy

House Hansard - 228

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
October 3, 2023 10:00AM
Context: House Hansard - 228 - Oct/3/23
Mr. Mike Morrice (Kitchener Centre, GP)
  • Oct/3/23 1:55:54 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleagues for this opportunity to offer my congratulations. First of all, I want to say a hearty thank you on behalf of the Green Party caucus to the member for Bécancour—Nicolet—Saurel for his excellent work as interim Speaker. Mr. Speaker, turning to you, it is a joy to see you in that chair and to address you for the first time in this way. I deeply appreciate the words you shared with us just hours ago, highlighting how important respect is in this place. Yes, we may have different opinions across the country, and yes, the debate here may be difficult at times, but Canadians expect this to be a place where parliamentarians can come together to elevate the quality of debate and make progress on what they care about most. I have no doubt that with you in that chair, with the support of all parliamentarians and certainly on behalf of the Green Party caucus, you will be well supported to ensure that continues to be the case. While this may be a toxic place at times, it does not have to be that way. I know you will ensure that the debate is elevated here. On behalf of the Green Party caucus, once again I wish you all the very best.
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Context: House Hansard - 228 - Oct/3/23
Mr. Mike Morrice (Kitchener Centre, GP)
  • Oct/3/23 4:26:37 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to rise to present a petition on behalf of petitioners who, first of all, recognize that the overdose crisis is one that is a public health emergency. The petitioners note that more than 26,690 people have died of opioid-related causes since 2016. They also note that organizations including the Canadian Public Health Association, the Global Commission on Drug Policy, the World Health Organization and the United Nations have all recommended drug decriminalization. The petitioners then call on the Government of Canada to, first of all, declare a public health emergency as it relates to overdose deaths from poisoned drugs. They call on the government to reframe this crisis as one that is a public health issue and not a criminal one. The petitioners go on to list the need for a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach, such as one that has already been recommended by the expert panel to Health Canada, and they call for the decriminalization of poisoned drugs in Canada.
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