By Alexandra Mehl, Ha-Shilth-Sa, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
On Jan. 31, 2023, the province of British Columbia decriminalized personal possession of some drugs, which would allot for 2.5 grams of opioid (heroin, morphine, and fentanyl), crack and powder cocaine, methamphetamine, and MDMA (ecstasy) for personal use, for a three year period.
Continue reading Municipal governments respond to public drug consumption amid decriminalization project
The Tyee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
B.C.’s three-year pilot drug decriminalization program is aimed at reducing the barriers and stigma that prevent people from accessing life-saving supports and services.
But since the possession of small amounts of drugs was decriminalized on Jan. 31, some municipalities have looked at bans on public drug use that advocates warn undermine the provincial effort.
In Campbell River, the city decided to implement its own bylaws three days before decriminalization took effect, banning and ticketing public use of controlled substances.
Continue reading Will BC Towns’ Bylaws Undermine Drug Decriminalization Pilot?
By Moira Wyton, The Tyee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
People who use drugs are cautiously optimistic about British Columbia’s forthcoming move to decriminalize possession of some drugs, but frontline harm reduction groups across the province say uncertainty about how it will be enforced is hampering their efforts to prepare.
On Jan. 31, B.C. will become the first jurisdiction in Canada to decriminalize possession of small amounts of cocaine, fentanyl, heroin, MDMA and methamphetamine for personal use.
Continue reading It’s the ‘Eve of Decriminalization’ for Drug Possession in BC
By Moira Wyton, The Tyee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
British Columbia’s toxic drug supply killed 195 more people in May, putting 2022 on course to be the third consecutive deadliest year in the public health emergency.
More than six people died each day on average in May, the BC Coroners Service reported today. That’s the highest number ever recorded in the month of May.
Continue reading Toxic Drug Toll Continues Deadly ClimbNational Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The grieving moms who headed to Ottawa Wednesday to urge federal MPs of all stripes to support an NDP bill designed to tackle the deadly toxic drug crisis found their pleas fell on deaf ears.
Most Liberal MPs, and Conservative members without exception, voted against Bill C-216 to decriminalize the simple possession of illegal drugs nationally and shape a federal strategy for safer alternatives to poisoned street supply.
Continue reading ‘We are losing a whole generation of Canadians’: Bill to curb toxic drug deaths defeated
