In the News; Week Ended October 4th, 2026

ABC and mayor Sim add poll on drug use and involuntary care to municipal election

Vancouver is adding two plebiscites to its municipal election ballots. One asks about open-air hard drug use, the other about adding a secure medical facility with more than 100 involuntary care beds for substance use patients.

Toxic street drugs ‘wreaking havoc’ on people who use them, challenging doctors

The illegal drug supply chain continues to throw new curves at patients and the doctors trying to help them with substance use and withdrawal. Drugs sold to patients as fentanyl often contain fentanyl, para-fluorofentanyl and the strong animal tranquilizer medetomidine. Drugs like methadone and suboxone, known to help with withdrawal and to treat addiction to fentanyl, may not be effective against these newer illegal substances.

Kate Middleton Gets Her Hands Dirty for a Cause She’s Championed Since the Start of Her Royal Life

Princess Kate supports one of her favourite causes, tackling addiction. This time she is supporting Forward Growing, weekly gardening sessions designed to help people connect with nature, build confidence and develop practical skills in an outdoor setting in the UK.