Ruth Fox, Regional Director ON

Ruth lives in Ottawa, Ontario on unceded Anishinabe Algonquin territory.  In August 2020 her youngest son, Trevor, died from accidental drug poisoning in his home.  Trevor was 25 years old and had a full and promising life ahead of him.  He was establishing himself in the community in which he lived and worked, was a valued employee in a career he enjoyed and was adored by a supportive family and numerous friends.

Ruth became aware of MSTH shortly after Trevor’s death and found the community of understanding, compassion and support offered by the organization invaluable.  She also learned more about the harms caused by Canada’s failed drug policies, and the unkind and discriminatory way people who use(d) drugs are treated.  She became a member of the Board of MSTH because she wants to be part of the movement to change drug policy and end the stigma against people who use(d) drugs.

Ruth was a policy analyst with the federal government until her retirement in 2021 and is hoping that her policy background and passion for change to the way people are treated will help to strengthen MSTH and support the organization in accomplishing its goals.