It was announced this week that the possession of small amounts of street drugs will be decriminalized in British Columbia in an effort to slow the overdose crisis that has killed nearly 10,000 people since 2016.
Effective Jan. 31, British Columbians who possess up to 2.5 grams of illicit drugs for personal use will not be arrested or charged. The three-year exemption will apply to drug users 18 and over and include opioids, cocaine, methamphetamine and MDMA, also known as ecstasy. Substances will not be confiscated.
Here's what has been said about drug decriminalization in other parts of the country:
Alberta: Premier Jason Kenney has said he believes the move is counterproductive. Edmonton has shown interest in the initiative, but has not submitted a proposal seeking decriminalization.
Saskatchewan: The provincial government has said it is not considering any decision to criminally exempt substances such as methamphetamine and cocaine. Saskatoon has reportedly shown interest in the initiative, but has not submitted a proposal seeking decriminalization.
Manitoba: Manitoba's government has said it will not seek decriminalizing possession. Justice Minister Kelvin Goertzen says the province is focused on cutting off the illicit drug supply while offering addiction treatment for users. The Opposition New Democrats say the government should study the impact of the change in British Columbia before making up its mind.
Ontario: A decriminalization proposal from Toronto Public Health is currently up for consideration, and the federal government has said it plans to work with the city in the same way it did with B.C. Ontario's New Democrats and Green Party both say they will work with Ottawa on decriminalizing drugs for personal use if elected to form government, but the Liberals say decriminalization is not in their current plan. The Progressive Conservatives did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the issue.
Quebec: Quebec Premier François Legault says the province has no plans to pursue decriminalization. Montreal has reportedly shown interest in the initiative, but has not submitted a proposal.
New Brunswick: Health Minister Dorothy Shephard has said she is interested to hear what B.C. has done. She said her province has been working to help people affected by the drug crisis rather than criminalize them.
Prince Edward Island: The provincial government says there are no immediate plans to pursue an exemption for adults to possess small amounts of certain illegal drugs for personal use. It says it is following the situation in B.C.
Nova Scotia: Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston says his province will monitor what B.C. is doing, but it’s not something his government is considering doing right now.
Newfoundland and Labrador: The provincial Department of Justice and Public Safety says it is looking at "all options related to hard drugs" and ways to work federal, provincial and territorial counterparts.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 2, 2022.
The Canadian Press
