Final Exam Fall 2021
Knowledge: 19 Marks
1. How does section 56(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act allow for drug decriminalization (2 marks)?
2. According to a September 2021 report from the Public Health Agency how many Canadians die each day from opioid overdose? What was the increase in opioid deaths prepandemic vs the pandemic era (2 marks)?
3. The Liberal government is hesitant to declare support of the decriminalization of opioids claiming that it is not a silver bullet, and the crisis requires a multifaceted approach. Identify the six additional strategies that the government has already identified as strategies to protect Canadians from the Opioid Crisis (6 marks).
4. Both Hasan Sheikh and Kwame McKenzie argue that a paradigm shift in Canada is needed to solve the opioid crisis. Identify three changes that are needed (3 marks)?
5. In the video, Election 2021: The Opioid Crisis, the positions of the three main political parties in Canada are discussed. Identify the position of each (6 marks).
Link to video: https://www.tvo.org/video/election-2021-the-opioid-crisis
Another link: https://globalnews.ca/news/8359890/drug-decriminalization-opioid-crisis/
Application (40 marks):
6. Canada is a country governed by federalism. Explain the responsibility of the different levels of government when it comes to solving the opioid crisis (6 marks).
7. In class we discussed the importance of considering the credibility of resources. Using the materials provided for the exam, choose the article or video that you believe is the most credible. Explain the criteria of credibility and use your chosen article or video as the foundation for your response (10 marks).
8. You are tasked with being the leader of an interest group concerning any issue presented in the article and video. Choose a name that would capture the intent of your group (1 mark). Clearly explain the issue your group has identified (2 marks). List and discuss three elements of the proposed legislation that your group is presenting (6 marks). What two strategies would you use to promote your cause (be specific) (4 marks).
9. Assume that your interest group has been successful in bringing your issue to the attention of the government. Explain what steps would be necessary to convert your interest to a law in Canada. What is the role of the courts in maintaining this newly created law (11 marks)?