Discussion Space 1E: Advancing Harm Reduction and Rational Drug Policy Reform in an era of Political populism and polarization
Tracks
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| Wednesday, October 7, 2026 |
| 1:45 PM - 3:15 PM |
| Discussion Space/Exhibition Room (Meridian) |
Details
Following the plenary panel, this facilitated discussion space will encourage reflection on how rising populism, polarization and post-truth environments have influenced drug policy and harm reduction in recent years. It will provide space for participants to examine how ideologically driven narratives can vilify stigmatized communities and fuel opposition to community-based services.
Attendees will be encouraged to share experiences from their jurisdictions, including responses to policy and funding reversals and shifting political narratives. A facilitated discussion amongst participants will also explore strategies for communicating evidence and priorities with decision-makers and communities.
Speaker
Mr Magnus Nowell
Manager, Substance Use Health and Harm Reduction
CATIE
Jason Altenberg
Chief Operations Officer
Dr Peter Centre
Introduction - Recap of key themes from plenary panel
1:45 PM - 2:05 PMBiography
Mr Magnus Nowell
Manager, Substance Use Health and Harm Reduction
CATIE
Introduction - Recap of key themes from plenary panel
1:45 PM - 2:05 PMBiography
Jason Altenberg
Chief Operations Officer
Dr Peter Centre
Regional reflections
2:05 PM - 2:35 PMBiography
Mr Magnus Nowell
Manager, Substance Use Health and Harm Reduction
CATIE
Regional reflections
2:05 PM - 2:35 PMBiography
Jason Altenberg
Chief Operations Officer
Dr Peter Centre
Future directions and lessons learned
2:35 PM - 2:55 PMBiography
Mr Magnus Nowell
Manager, Substance Use Health and Harm Reduction
CATIE
Future directions and lessons learned
2:35 PM - 2:55 PMBiography
INHSU 2026
Concluding remarks
2:55 PM - 3:00 PMBiography
