Federal Minister to Meet with B.C. Counterpart on Drug Policies Fallout

The federal Minister for Mental Health and Addictions, Ya’ara Saks, will engage in discussions with the British Columbia Minister of Health, Jennifer Whiteside, alongside law enforcement officials to delve into the repercussions of the province's drug policies, particularly those related to decriminalization and safer supply. The need for these meetings arose after a Vancouver police official revealed to a parliamentary committee the alarming trend of prescribed opioids intended for safe consumption being diverted to the illicit market, posing challenges for law enforcement in addressing drug-related issues effectively.

British Columbia initiated a pilot project on January 31, 2023, aiming to decriminalize the possession of small quantities of street drugs for personal use, such as fentanyl and methamphetamine. The success of this project hinges on federal approval exempting the province from certain sections of the Criminal Code concerning drug use, a decision subject to rigorous monitoring and evaluation, as emphasized by Minister Saks. Among the topics on the agenda for discussions is the contentious issue of decriminalization, which has sparked debates and criticisms within both government bodies.