Episode 30: Woodstein Media Podcast Episode 30: Ruth Fox discusses the loss of her son to drug poisoning, Moms Stop the Harm, and failures of Canada’s drug policy

Woodstein Media Podcast

As this podcast was being edited, Pierre Poilievre raved in Parliament about life-saving efforts to help drug users. He was reprimanded and ejected from the chamber, and eventually, the rest of the Conservative caucus walked out in protest. Speaker Greg Fergus cautioned Justin Trudeau and Poilievre during a feisty question period to avoid making direct accusations about the character of another MP.
The debate devolved to derogatory remarks as Poilievre attacked the Liberals over BC's drug decriminalization. This attack has been ongoing since before the pilot program had a chance to prove itself, with Poilievre fighting against facts that have proven harsh penalties for drug use are ineffective.
Trudeau avoided the drug issue, confronting Poilievre about videos showing the Conservative leader exiting a trailer adorned with a symbol for the far-right extremist group Diagolon.
"Any leader that needs the support of a far-right white nationalist group to fundraise and get closer to power does not deserve elected office," the Prime Minister said.
Poilievre countered that this was the "latest distraction" from "extremist policies."
"When will we put an end to this wacko policy by this wacko Prime Minister?" He asked.
Fergus asked Poilievre to withdraw his comments, saying they were unparliamentary.
Poilievre replaced wacko with "extremist” or "radical."
Fergus kicked Poilievre out. Much of the Conservative caucus left. Eventually, they all exited.
Poilievre continued trash-talking, falsely claiming he was "censored" for calling Trudeau's drug policies "wacko."
Exercising proper use of a cliché, Bloc Quebecois Leader Yves-Francois Blanchet, who was pleased by the events, thanked Fergus in French for showing "common sense."
Immigration Minister Marc Miller coolly dismissed Poilievre, "I think it would be good if he shut his yap once in a while.”
On this podcast, Ruth Fox, Regional Director for Moms Stop the Harm, shares her experience of losing her son, Trevor, who died from accidental drug poisoning.
Trevor had a promising life ahead of him in his community as a valued employee in a career he enjoyed. He had a supportive family and friends who adored him.
Ruth became aware of Moms Stop the Harm after Trevor’s death and found the community of understanding, compassion and support invaluable. Through the work the group does, she learned more about the harms caused by failed drug policies and the way people who use drugs are treated.
She speaks of the work Moms Stop the Harm does and how the toxic drug supply is taking lives across a wide demographic, including people who are living productive lives like Trevor. A singular focus on treatment excludes many people who are at risk, such as occasional users.
“Until we provide an alternative to the toxic street drugs, namely a legal, regulated supply of the drugs people need, the rate of harm and death will continue to rise, and, I believe, sharply,” said Fox.
The music on this podcast is by Low Dead Space, featuring Garth Mullins, host of the Crackdown Podcast. It’s a podcast made by drug users, the people with the most lived experience and insight to help affect positive policy change. Good people use drugs. Intelligent people use drugs.
Moms Stop the Harm - https://www.momsstoptheharm.com/
The article referenced - https://www.stalbertgazette.com/local-news/despite-record-drug-poisoning-deaths-no-increase-in-rates-of-addiction-data-shows-8600677
Low Dead Space - https://lowdeadspace.bandcamp.com/album/die-in-vancouver-2
Crackdown Podcast - https://www.crackdownpod.com/