Yaara Saks. Image credit: X/@YaaraSaks
B.C. ‘s reported request to recriminalize the use of drugs in public spaces such as hospitals and parks has been approved by the federal government, Ya’ara Saks, Mental Health and Addictions Minister made the announcement Tuesday on Parliament Hill.
A Health Canada exemption was issued to B.C. to allow the pilot to proceed, although it has completed one year into a three-year pilot project that permits possession of small amounts of certain illegal drugs, including heroin, fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine..
Following repeated criticism from politicians, health-care workers and police, Premier David Eby asked Health Canada last month to recriminalize the use of those drugs in public spaces.
Even with that change, B.C. residents can still possess small amounts of hard drugs, and there will be exceptions allowing people to use illicit substances in private homes, legal shelters and overdose prevention sites.
With its own legislation, the province previously tried to make drug use illegal in public places, but the bill was challenged by Harm Reduction Nurses Association in court.
Health Canada’s approval of this change empowered the police to step in when they see illicit drug use in public spaces, including inside hospitals, on transit and in parks.
Following Tuesday’s announcement, B.C.’s request has been criticized by the drug user advocates.
“We should work toward solutions like housing and mental health support and instead, they regress to the only thing they know, which is punishment,” Corey Ranger, president of the Harm Reduction Nurses Association said and added that he believes the request was an attempt to “score political points” ahead of a provincial election set for the fall.
