Men in trades are overrepresented in the number of illicit drug poisoning deaths in British Columbia. In response, the Tailgate Toolkit Project aims to educate employers and employees of BC’s construction sector about the resources available to them.
Interested in learning about how Calgary has implemented The Tailgate Toolkit?
You deserve
the right tools
Resources
Resources.
At your fingertips.
The Tailgate Toolkit Team has representatives in three regional construction association offices across British Columbia. Within our resource guides you’ll find region-specific information on mental health services, overdose prevention sites, chronic pain resources, and more.
Resources
Real People. Real Support.
The Tailgate Toolkit Team is comprised of compassionate, trained social workers and educators. With a variety of experiences in the harm reduction field and the construction sector, we’re ready to equip you with the tools to make discussions around substance use, mental health, and pain management; creating a safer, healthier industry.
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useresponsibly YOUDESERVE THE RIGHT TOOLS
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useresponsibly YOUDESERVE THE RIGHT TOOLS
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useresponsibly YOUDESERVE THE RIGHT TOOLS
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useresponsibly YOUDESERVE THE RIGHT TOOLS
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useresponsibly YOU DESERVE THE RIGHT TOOLS
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useresponsibly YOUDESERVE THE RIGHT TOOLS
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useresponsibly YOUDESERVE THE RIGHT TOOLS
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useresponsibly YOUDESERVE THE RIGHT TOOLS
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useresponsibly YOUDESERVE THE RIGHT TOOLS
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useresponsibly YOUDESERVE THE RIGHT TOOLS
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useresponsibly YOUDESERVE THE RIGHT TOOLS
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useresponsibly YOUDESERVE THE RIGHT TOOLS
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useresponsibly YOUDESERVE THE RIGHT TOOLS
The Tailgate Toolkit Commercial
In December 2024, the Tailgate Toolkit Project by VICA was named one of the 2025 BCAB Humanitarian Award recipients, earning $1 million worth of broadcast advertising. Since then, we’ve created radio and TV commercials in partnership with Volare Media, to raise awareness about harm reduction in the trades. These advertisements are now airing across BC, amplifying our message and reaching those who need it most. BCAB stations will continue broadcasting them until March 2026.
faqs
What does the Tailgate Toolkit Project consist of?
The Tailgate Toolkit Project consists of four components; on-site/virtual toolbox talks, supervisory training for site and company leaders, an industry support group, and extensive, region-specific resource guides for construction/trades industry folks.
Where do Tailgate Toolkit coordinators work out of?
The Tailgate Toolkit has coordinators across British Columbia, working out of regional construction associations in Victoria, Vancouver, Kelowna, and Prince George
Victoria Office
1075 Alston Street
Victoria, BC, V9A 3S6
Vancouver Office
3636 East 4th Avenue
Vancouver, BC, V5M 1M3
Kelowna Office
#104-151 Commercial Drive
Kelowna, BC, V1X7W2
Prince George Office
3851 18th Avenue
Prince Geroge, BC, V2N 1B1
Who funds the Tailgate Toolkit?
Funding for the Tailgate Toolkit is provided by the Ministry of Mental Health & Addictions, The Canadian Mental Health Association (BC Division), and the Community Action Initiative
How do I book a Tailgate Toolkit talk?
The Toolbox Talk is 30-45 minutes long. It can be delivered with a slideshow, or solely discussion-based, either in person at your site or via Zoom.
There is no cost to participate in the Toolbox Talk, and we’d be happy to travel to your site or office.
Book a Toolbox Talk for your team! (thetailgatetoolkit.ca)
What is Hammer Time?
Hammer Time is a fully anonymous, social support group (there’s no religious component, it’s not a 12 step program, and you don’t have to be sober to participate) being delivered in a partnership between the Tailgate Toolkit and the Umbrella Society.
Hammer Time happens on Zoom every Thursday from 7-8 PM and is facilitated by 2 Umbrella Society staff who have lived experience of working in the construction industry and substance use.
Join Us This Thursday: www.umbrellasociety.ca/hammer-time/
What costs are there to have a site or leadership training?
On-site and supervisor talks are both free as well as any resource packs.
Training
Leadership Training
Gain the tools to confidently discuss substance use, mental health, and pain management with your team! Designed specifically to equip and inform construction leaders regarding the complex issues surrounding substance use and toxic drug poisoning in the construction industry.
Work hard.
Play smart.
Work hard.
Play smart.
Work hard.
About
The Tailgate Toolkit Program
The Tailgate Toolkit Project is an innovative program aimed at increasing access to harm reduction services and ideas for those working in the construction industry.
News From The Toolkit
January 17, 2024
Toward the Heart & BCCDC Partner On Anonymous Drug Alert System.
Toward the Heart and BCCDC have partnered with local health authorities and community partners to send anonymous toxic drug and health alerts by text in B.C. The Toxic Drug and Health Alert Initiative is a free, real-time text messaging service for anyone to receive toxic drug alerts or share information about toxic drugs in their community. […]