British Columbia repeals drug decriminalization in public places

The British Columbia government is making changes to its drug discrimination policy to stop drug use in public places. Photo: JONATHAN HAYWARD/The Canadian Press

British Columbia announced plans to re-criminalize drug use in public after the government came under fire for rampant drug use in hospitals and parks.

Prime Minister David Eby said showing compassion for drug addicts «doesn't mean it won't work» as he announced a policy review less than 18 months after a Canadian province decriminalized drug possession and use.

Politics , passed in January 2023, allows adult drug users in British Columbia to possess up to 2.5 grams of drugs for personal use without facing criminal prosecution.

Since the law came into effect, there has been a backlash against open drug use in British Columbia from local politicians, health officials and police. public places.

The partial reversal comes weeks after Oregon reversed its decriminalization policy after struggling with a surge in overdoses and masses of drug users using drugs on the streets.

A woman walks past a man smoking drugs with a glass pipe in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. Photo: DARRYL DYKE/The Canadian Press

Mr. Eby said the province is asking the federal government to ban drug use. prohibited in all public places, including inside hospitals, on public transport and in parks.

«We are taking action to ensure police have the tools they need to keep everyone safe and comfortable, and expanding opportunities treatment so that people can stay alive and get better,» Mr. Eby said.

< p>“We have heard loud and clear from police officers who continue to see the unintended consequences that unchecked drug use in public places has on the safety and well-being of neighborhoods,” added Vancouver Deputy Police Chief Fiona Wilson. < /p>

“And back again.” The connection was clear: public consumption is a serious problem that needs to be solved, and serious changes are needed.»

Under the proposed changes, police would have the power to ask a person to leave a premises. area, seize drugs or make an arrest.

Drug use will continue to be permitted in a private home or place of legal shelter, as well as at overdose prevention sites and drug testing sites.< /p>< p>The province said it is «working with Health Canada to urgently change its decriminalization policy to stop drug use in public places and has requested an amendment to its… exemption to exclude all public places.»

British Columbia will also take steps to curb drug use in health care settings to “make hospitals safer,” said provincial Health Minister Adrian Dix.

He said the move would “improve support for patients with addiction while they need inpatient care while protecting others from the secondary effects of illicit drug use.»