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downtown eastside
A necessity defence could apply to the distribution of cannabis to opioid-addicted adults in the Downtown Eastside.
I lift my fascinator in fascination of your efforts to advocate so publicly for the candid mental health conversation. It is one we need to encourage and one we owe a social responsibility to facilitate. We need to speak out so our children dare to do so sooner.
City planners and developers need to realize that building a good mixture of home types for people of different incomes and ages, with amenities for people at all stages of their life, is what make a stable, healthy, vibrant city, and one where people want to, and are able to, stay and thrive.
The "Socially Responsible Van" tour is, to be blunt, completely and totally irresponsible. The tour capitalizes on and monetizes the misfortune of others. It lumps all residents of the Downtown Eastside into the same dismissive, downtrodden boat of addiction, poverty and illness.
Compassion can be found just about anywhere.
"I've taken people down Hastings and (when we cross that street,) they say, 'whoa, we're not in beautiful Vancouver anymore. And I say 'well yes, you are, and this is a part of us.'"
Many people in Surrey are hard-working families and just trying to get by. The last thing these families and their children need is your social stigma thrown at them.
