British Columbia's exemption
will now prohibit possession of controlled substances in public
spaces
OTTAWA,
ON, May 7, 2024 /CNW/ - In 2021, the
Government of British Columbia
requested the launch of a pilot project to help address the
overdose crisis that is one of the most serious and unprecedented
public health threats in Canada's
recent history. BC has asked that we make amendments to its project
and we are granting BC's request to prohibit possession
of controlled substances in public spaces.
Everyone deserves to feel safe in their communities. Law
enforcement also needs to have additional tools to address issues
of public safety while continuing to take a compassionate and
public health approach to addressing substance use harms.
Working together, we can continue to adapt and adjust our
approach to reflect the evidence and what is actually working on
the ground. Going forward, we will continue working hand in hand
with all of our partners including provincial jurisdictions, law
enforcement, Indigenous communities, people with lived and living
experience, and municipalities across this country every step of
the way.
Exemptions will continue to apply in private residences,
healthcare clinics as designated by the province of BC, places
where people are lawfully sheltering, and overdose prevention and
drug checking sites.
Across Canada we
must prevent overdoses and save lives, and help people find
their way to appropriate treatment and pathways to recovery, while
keeping our communities safe and addressing drug trafficking and
organized crime.
The Honourable Ya'ara Saks, P.C., M.P.
Associated Links:
- Backgrounder: Personal possession of small amounts of certain
illegal drugs in British
Columbia
SOURCE Health Canada (HC)