Vancouver’s safe injection site has gained some celebrity backing from a well-known comedian who’s never been one to shy away from issues surrounding drug addiction.
Russell Brand visited Insite during this weekend’s Vancouver stop on his Messiah Complex tour. He toured the Downtown Eastside before his show at the Queen Elizabeth Saturday.
The Brit posted a photo on Twitter of him holding hands with Insite’s founder Liz Evans, who he calls “an inspiration.” Brand referred to the drug site the city’s “crown jewel” on his Twitter feed.
The funnyman has spoken openly about his past struggle with heroin addiction and the need for more organizations like Insite.
The federal government has tried to have Insite’s exemption status for heroin use overturned, but the country’s highest court ruled it should stay open.
