An Epidemic Amidst a Pandemic: A Critical Policy Analysis of Supervised Consumption Sites
Abstract
This study's primary purpose is to critically appraise current federal and provincial policies regarding supervised consumption sites (SCS), noting intended and unintended consequences; and how these policies could impact SCS users. This study's secondary goal is to compare current policies related to SCS in Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec to provide critical insight and suggestions for ongoing policy development. Carol Bacchi’s (2009) “What is the Problem Represented to Be?” framework was applied to the Canadian policy document with a focus on SCS. Four themes are proposed: Public Health versus Criminality, Presumptions versus Assumptions, Policy Unaccountability, and Policy Duality. It is concluded that Canadian SCS federal policy should be more in line with provincial policy documents that framed substance use as a public health issue and the need for a continuum of care. It should encourage a more inclusive and comprehensive strategy that collaborates better with people who use drugs.