Toxic Drug Crisis Impact - The toxic drug crisis in British Columbia has claimed almost 15,000 lives since 2016 [1] - Unregulated drug toxicity is the leading cause of death for people in BC aged 10 to 59 [2] - A 2019 report indicated a 255% increase in overdoses among South Asians in the Fraser Health region, nearly a twofold increase compared to non-South Asians [4] Marginalized Communities - The crisis disproportionately impacts marginalized communities, particularly the South Asian community, due to systemic neglect [3] - Stigma and shame within the South Asian community hinder individuals from seeking help and sharing their stories [5] Fentanyl Crisis - Fentanyl, a highly potent synthetic opioid, is a major contributor to overdoses, accounting for almost 80% of overdoses across Canada [10][11] - Fentanyl addiction requires medication and extensive support beyond what individuals can typically access [13] Community Support & Intervention - Soda (Students Overcoming Substance Use Disorder and Addiction Society of Canada) is a grassroots nonprofit addressing the toxic drug crisis's impact on the South Asian community [15] - Soda provides harm reduction training in Punjabi, Hindi, and English, connecting individuals with mental health and substance use services [16] Recovery & Lived Experience - Pervinder Singh's story highlights the transformative power of community support in overcoming addiction and inspiring others [7][21] - Lived experiences, like Pervinder's, should be recognized as expertise and integrated into policy and program development for cultural sensitivity [29] Data & Policy Recommendations - Advocate for better, accurate, and disaggregated data on populations differentially impacted by the toxic drug crisis [29]

Key Findings on the School-to-Prison Pipeline - Suspended youth face an 878% higher risk of incarceration compared to their peers [1] - Traditional disciplinary measures like suspensions and expulsions are ineffective in reducing misbehavior or improving academic achievement [1] - The Ontario Safe Schools Act led to a 341% increase in suspensions and a 1,700% increase in expulsions [1] Restorative Justice Programs - Restorative justice programs can lead to an almost 80% decrease in suspensions after one year of implementation [2] - Restorative justice focuses on conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, and repairing harm rather than repeating it [2] - Restorative justice includes intensive interventions, targeted interventions, and universal introductions [2] Systemic Issues and Solutions - Students of color are more likely to be racially profiled and criminalized for minor school offenses [1] - Increased police presence in schools can lead to higher incarceration rates for marginalized communities [2] - The current education system is designed to perpetuate the school-to-prison pipeline, necessitating a new system focused on student safety and success [4]