Drug Decriminalization Policy, passed by Ontario NDP, 2007

Whereas the Ontario Liberals have promised to deliver 20,000 new affordable homes, 6600 new supportive housing units and 35,000 housing allowances for low-income households and have failed to deliver even a fraction of those units; and

Whereas the City of Vancouver has successfully implemented the "four pillars" approach to substance use, which includes: education, harm reduction, treatment and enforcement; and

Whereas the Ontario Safe Schools Act has the effect of isolating and alienating those students who are in the most need of a positive learning environment and support; and

Whereas most poor neighbourhoods lack comprehensive and affordable recreation and sports programs and facilities as a part of a community-building strategy; and

Whereas a decade of funding cuts by the federal Liberals and provincial Conservatives and Liberals has led to a deterioration in social and community infrastructures at a time when we most urgently need policies, programs and funding that build strong and safe communities; and

Whereas federal drug policy has criminalized the illicit use of certain drugs and created immense profits for criminal organizations instead of treating drug use as a health policy, which has led the federal NDP to call for the decriminalization of certain drugs;

Be it resolved that the provincial NDP and Provincial Caucus will focus on violence in our communities. The Ontario NDP shall begin community meetings and consultations with the people of Ontario who have been impacted by the recent incidents of gun and violent crime;

Be it further resolved that the Ontario NDP shall focus on the following areas and issues while working on this important community issue:

* * economic strategy that emphasizes jobs for youth in specific areas
* * comprehensive quality recreation and sports programs and strategies in communities
* * increased funding for ESL, youth consellors, social workers, guidance and specialty teachers across the Province
* * revamp Safe Schools Act
* * more supportive housing
* * the ONDP supports the Four Pillars approach
* * the ONDP supports the decriminalization approach to drugs of the Federal NDP