{"id":17361,"date":"2026-04-20T16:06:41","date_gmt":"2026-04-20T20:06:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rapliq.org\/?p=17361"},"modified":"2026-04-20T16:07:45","modified_gmt":"2026-04-20T20:07:45","slug":"rapliq-statement-on-bill-103-toward-a-safe-and-inclusive-coexistence","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rapliq.org\/en\/rapliq-statement-on-bill-103-toward-a-safe-and-inclusive-coexistence\/","title":{"rendered":"RAPLIQ Statement on Bill 103: Toward a Safe and Inclusive Coexistence"},"content":{"rendered":"

251029 – Statement – PL103 – RAPLIQ<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n

October 29, 2025<\/strong> – The Coalition of Activists for Inclusion in Quebec (RAPLIQ) recognizes the human and social value of supervised consumption sites (SCS). These sites save lives, reduce the risk of overdose, and offer compassionate support to people who are often in distress. However, given the somewhat successful\u2014if not chaotic\u2014implementation in certain areas where public safety and order have been compromised, RAPLIQ believes it is essential to reconcile this public health objective with the safety and peace of mind of local communities, particularly when these communities include a large number of vulnerable people\u2014children, seniors, and, notably, people with disabilities, who are also entitled to safety. Like any law, we agree that certain provisions are troubling. That said, we must at all costs avoid jeopardizing the safety of the users of these centers, as well as the families and vulnerable individuals who live, work, or pass through near these sites. We do not recommend the outright rejection of Bill 103. As an organization working with people with disabilities, their rights and safety\u2014for which we advocate every day\u2014cannot be relegated to the background.<\/p>\n

SAFETY FIRST, WITHOUT EXCLUSION<\/h2>\n

We cannot ignore the realities of living side by side. When a facility is located near schools, daycare centers, or residences for the elderly or people with disabilities, it is natural for the community to be concerned. RAPLIQ believes that safety must come first: protecting those who are already vulnerable due to their physical, cognitive, or social condition is not an option\u2014it is a collective duty. But this protection must never become an excuse to reject or stigmatize people struggling with addiction. Some of them have disabilities themselves; they deserve respect, compassion, and access to safe care.<\/p>\n

HARMONIOUS COEXISTENCE: DIALOGUE, NOT EXCLUSION<\/h2>\n

Coexistence is not a slogan: it is a balancing act between public safety, inclusion, and humanity. RAPLIQ urges the government to adopt an approach based on consultation, prevention, and awareness-raising, rather than simply moving services farther away. Sustainable solutions will require:<\/p>\n