A movement called "Support Don't Punish" has been asking authorities to set up Good Samaritan drug laws in Ottawa and across Canada, saying these laws would be more helpful to many drug users than those that are currently on the books.
In essence, the laws would protect those who are just trying to help others. Annually, around 30 to 40 people pass away from overdoses in Ottawa alone. Due to stiff drug laws, that number has doubled and could keep increasing. Often, those who are around them know there is a medical problem, but they don't call emergency services.
A survey was given out, and over 50 percent said they wouldn't call any emergency services, even in a life-threatening situation. The main reason that they gave was that they were afraid they would be given charges when the police arrived.
The Good Samaritan laws would protect those who were trying to do the right thing. Even if they had drugs on them or had been using drugs themselves, they wouldn't be charged if they'd called the authorities in an effort to save other people who they were afraid had overdosed.
Those who support the change point out that current laws often just focus on putting drug users behind bars. They say that it would be better to shift the focus toward getting those people the assistance that they need, especially when dealing with addiction. They'll be more likely to seek it without the risk of a criminal sentence.
It's important for residents to keep an eye on this movement to see if any changes are made to the laws going forward.
Source: Ottawa Citizen, "Good Samaritan law key to supporting, not punishing drug users: advocates," Megan Gillis, June 23, 2016
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