The University of Victoria faced criticism following an independent report in April that highlighted missteps leading to a student’s fatal overdose on campus. In response, university president Kevin Hall pledged to implement all 18 recommendations put forth by the report’s author, former Abbotsford police chief Bob Rich. However, despite Hall’s commitment, his departure in September to join another university saw limited progress on the recommendations by the start of the new term.
Jennifer White, a special advisor on substance use health strategy at UVic, attributed the delay in implementing recommendations to the influx of guidelines received by the university. The coroner’s inquest into the student’s death in 2023 provided two key recommendations focused on overdose response training and awareness. UVic initiated changes, such as distributing naloxone kits across student residences and introducing a new building numbering system for emergency responders.
UVic’s Substance Use Health Strategy was shaped by synthesizing and consolidating various recommendations to guide the university’s actions. While progress has been made, Michael Caryk from the UVic Student Society expressed ongoing student mistrust towards the university and highlighted the need for further efforts to mend the relationship.
The university completed three of the 18 recommendations, including establishing mental health resources for staff and implementing an amnesty policy on drug use. UVic also adopted “good samaritan” principles and revised its misconduct policy related to illegal drugs. Despite these changes, student representatives emphasized the importance of increased awareness and support for harm reduction initiatives.
Looking ahead, UVic aims to enhance policy awareness and address executive-level reforms identified in the report. White acknowledged the need for more time to complete crisis management protocols and cultural shifts within the university. Student involvement in holding UVic accountable for its commitments was deemed crucial, with calls for annual assemblies to track progress and empower students to advocate for necessary changes.
