VICTORIA B.C. – Andrew Weaver, leader of the B.C. Green Party, issued the following statement on World AIDS Day 2016:
“Today is World AIDS Day, and I would like to take a moment to recognize the leadership that many in British Columbia have taken in supporting persons living with HIV/AIDS.
“Vancouver is home to the Dr. Peter Centre, which is a leader in providing comfort and care for persons who are living with HIV/AIDS and championing access to Highly Active Antiretroviral Treatment (HAART). Their values of compassion, courage, inclusion and innovation truly shift the conversation around HIV/AIDS to one of hope and change.
“British Columbia is home to world leading research and outreach. I could not name all the organizations that reach out to people and provide support, such as Positive Living Society of British Columbia, YouthCo AIDS Society, Options for Sexual Health, AIDS Vancouver Island, and clinics all over the province that provide testing, treatment, support and counselling and referrals to best support people with HIV. It is clear that British Columbia has an incredible network of compassionate and caring people.
“Stigma around people living with HIV/AIDS is still pervasive in our society and we continue to face challenges in making sure people are aware of their status and taking steps to protect themselves and others. Education and outreach continue to be vital; we need to continue to provide support for people at risk of contracting HIV, including access to sexual health information, safe injection sites and clean needle exchanges. We need to work together to ensure everyone has access to treatment and quality of life, and celebrate the incredible contributions that people living with HIV/AIDS make to our communities.
“Thank you to all the incredible advocates, activists, researchers, and clinicians in this province. You inspire us every day.”
- 30 -
Media contact
Mat Wright, Press Secretary, Office of Andrew Weaver, MLA
+1 250-216-3382 | [email protected]