Today marks the eighth anniversary of the declaration of a public health emergency due to the toxic drug crisis in British Columbia. Tragically, over 14,000 lives have been lost to this crisis since then. A group of individuals who have lost loved ones gathered in Richmond to help clear up misconceptions about drug users. I attended the gathering at Gary Point Park this morning and was moved by the courage and compassion of those speaking about the issue. A mother from Mom Stop the Harm shared her daughter’s story through tears. My heart goes out to all the families who have suffered from this crisis.