Harm Reduction and Shelters

A jurisdictional scan of harm reduction initiatives in Canadian shelters

The purpose of this jurisdictional scan is to ensure that OTC is using best practices in the area of harm reduction. This scan involved the following: a literature review of existing research on harm reduction, a review of available grey literature such as policies, procedures, and programs for shelters in Canada, a review of Canadian legislation relating to substances and sex work, interviews with 11 people who have specifically worked in a harm reduction model, and coding and synthesis of this information to create the action steps proposed below. Five recommendations are made based on what was found in this research. This report also strives to be written in an accessible way, using plain language and hyperlinking to all supporting documents to increase the accessibility of sourced information. Language that reduces stigma is also used to support the humanization of all people, which means that this report will use only “people who use drugs”, instead of “drug users” or other terms that reduce people to their substance use. Releasing this as a digital document also allows for flexibility in editing should updated information become available. Shila LeBlanc is a settler in K’jipuktuk (Halifax) and works as a restorative justice caseworker in the city. 

Publication Date: 
2019