Missy McLean, ON

There are many people in Missy’s life who use illicit drugs and whom she loves tremendously. Each day that safe supply, decriminalization and defunding of systems that criminalize vulnerable people are denied, she fears for their lives and for the thousands of other people who are also put at risk of drug-poisoning death and other related harms. 

Missy joined Moms Stop the Harm in 2020 out of a desire to work with like-minded people across the country who want to see an end to failed, racist drug policies and to envision a society where people who use drugs are valued, respected and empowered to live their lives free of stigma and with dignity, autonomy and safety. 

After more than 15 years working in public relations and communications, she is now making a career change inspired by her growing advocacy, activism and volunteer work. She is completing a degree in social work at Trent University Durham GTA and developing a practice rooted in social justice, anti-oppression, harm reduction and prison abolition. 

In addition to her work with MSTH, Missy is part of the Justice for Soli movement, seeking justice and accountability in the death of Soleiman Faqiri as well as an end to the criminalization of people living with mental illness. She is also a member of Voices Against Stigma Everywhere, the consumer advocacy group and speakers bureau of Durham Mental Health Services, whose members share personal stories of mental illness and recovery.

Missy is a settler who lives on the Traditional Territory of the Michi Saagiig and Chippewa Nations with her husband and two young children, who she knows will definitely experiment with and use drugs in their lifetimes.