BC has applies to the federal government to remove criminal penalties for people who possess small amounts of illicit drugs for personal use.
BC is the first province in Canada to seek an exemption from Health Canada.
If approved by the federal government, the exemption would help reduce the fear and shame associated with substance use that prevents people from seeking care, the province said.
Since BC declared a public health emergency in 2016, as many as 7,700 British Columbians have died because of a toxic drug supply.
Prior to the pandemic, there was a decrease in deaths due to toxic drugs. However, the COVID-19 public health emergency has reversed this trend, causing toxic drug poisoning deaths to reach an all-time high.
By treating substance use as a public health challenge rather than a criminal act, the Province says it will create new pathways to support those seeking treatment.
“Criminalizing members of our communities who use drugs has resulted in decades of causing further harms to many who are already suffering from mental or physical health challenges and/or the effects of emotional or physical trauma,” said Lisa Lapointe, B.C.’s chief coroner.
“Decriminalization will help shift our focus from punishment, which has resulted in social isolation, stigma and fear, toward a medical model that recognizes substance use as a health issue. This is an important step that, combined with increased access to safe supply and implementation of an evidence-based model of treatment and recovery, will help to save lives.”
