The CBC’s Fifth Estate recently aired a 43-minute documentary focusing on Canada’s “safer supply” initiative, which aims to provide pharmaceutical-grade drugs to individuals struggling with addiction. The program, which claims to be impartial, has been criticized for promoting a one-sided view of the harm reduction movement.

“Safer supply” typically involves prescribing hydromorphone, a potent opioid, to deter users from turning to more dangerous illicit drugs. However, some programs have also included fentanyl and other high-risk substances. Earlier this year, the federal government defunded its safer supply pilot programs after reports indicated that many patients were reselling their hydromorphone to buy illicit fentanyl. This diversion of drugs has reportedly contributed to new addictions and has benefited organized crime.

The documentary, titled "The Political War on Safe Drugs," advocates for the reinstatement of funding for safer supply programs. It presents the argument that safer supply is a beneficial, evidence-based policy, while portraying opposition from Conservative politicians as rooted in ignorance and reactionary politics. Critics of the documentary point out that it fails to include voices from experts who oppose the safer supply approach.

Over the past two years, numerous addiction specialists have publicly called for reforms or the abolition of safer supply programs, citing concerns about their effectiveness. However, none of these experts were featured in the film. The documentary also neglected to include testimonies from individuals who have been adversely affected by the diversion of safer supply drugs.

Elenore Sturko, an independent MLA from British Columbia and a vocal critic of safer supply, stated that while the CBC reached out to her for background information, they declined her request for an interview. The film predominantly features addicts, progressive activists, and harm reduction advocates, including key figures involved in the safer supply initiative. This has led to accusations of biased reporting and a distorted narrative regarding the cancellation of federal funding.

In the past, many harm reduction advocates dismissed concerns about drug diversion as misinformation. However, as evidence mounted, some advocates shifted their stance, claiming they had always anticipated the diversion of hydromorphone, which they argued was too weak for fentanyl users. The Fifth Estate has been criticized for uncritically accepting this revised narrative.

The documentary concludes with calls from harm reduction advocates to expand safer supply programs, offer stronger substances, and even legalize all hard drugs. In a notable segment, Christy Sutherland, a leading prescriber of safer supply, shared her experience of stopping hydromorphone prescriptions after discovering that a significant portion of her patients were reselling the drug. Following this decision, she reported having to temporarily leave her community due to safety concerns.