Private Project

Harm: Alberta's Preventable Overdose Crisis

On average, three Albertans die every day due to apparent unintentional opioid poisoning. The evidence is clear as to how to best prevent opioid deaths: supervised consumption services, comprehensive trauma-informed addictions care, opioid agonist therapy when indicated, and wraparound social supports.
​
But these programs, and the harm reduction philosophy that underpins them, are being cut and undermined, even as opioid deaths soar.

  • Jason Lajoie
    Director
  • Joshua Ng-Kamstra
    Producer
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    17 minutes 18 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    December 28, 2020
  • Production Budget:
    3,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Canada
  • Country of Filming:
    Canada
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Film Premiere at the O'Brien School of Public Health
    Calgary
    Canada
    February 25, 2021
    North American Premiere
Director Biography - Jason Lajoie

Jason Lajoie is a Canadian filmmaker from Ottawa, Ontario. After completing a PhD in English Language and Literature at the University of Waterloo, he began to explore the overdose crisis in Alberta, Canada, that had claimed the life of his older brother years earlier. The resulting short documentary, Harm: Alberta’s Preventable Overdose Crisis, is his first film.

Jason is currently the Research Associate for the University’s Council for Responsible Innovation and Technology (CRIT), and supervisor at the Department of English’s Critical Media Lab (CML), a transdisciplinary research-creation space advancing the design and creation of speculative technologies that blend theory and cultural criticism. Jason’s current research focuses on inclusive, ethical, and sustainable approaches to technological innovation in academia and industry, and has published research that engages with queer theory, critical making, and research-creation methodologies.

He plans to continue directing documentary films exploring social justice issues impacting vulnerable populations, alongside his producing partner Josh Ng-Kamstra. He is currently based in Honolulu, Hawai’i.

Add Director Biography