Health Canada is requesting additional data on substance use rates and treatment capacity as it evaluates British Columbia’s proposal to reclassify open drug use in public places like hospitals and playgrounds.
The B.C. Mental Health and Addictions Ministry swiftly responded to Health Canada’s request for more information as Ottawa evaluates an exemption to the drug decriminalization pilot project in the province, Minister Jennifer Whiteside stated in the B.C. legislature on May 1.
“We have been collaborating closely with our federal counterparts regarding the changes we requested on April 26,” Ms. Whiteside mentioned. “We anticipate a prompt response from them.”
BC United MLA Ellis Ross raised concerns about the NDP government’s commitment to working with Ottawa, suggesting that Health Canada’s request indicates a lack of information on the federal government’s part.
“What information did Ottawa request? Will the premier present this information for public review today?” he inquired during question period.
Ms. Whiteside did not directly address the question but reiterated that the province will continue to collaborate with federal and provincial partners to ensure the safety and health care access for British Columbians amidst the ongoing toxic drug crisis.
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Although Health Canada’s specific request has not been publicly disclosed, the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions, as per a statement to the Globe and Mail, mentioned that the requested data included information on substance use, treatment, and potential guidance for law enforcement.
The Epoch Times reached out to the B.C. Mental Health and Addictions Ministry and the Premier’s Office for further details on Health Canada’s information request but did not receive a response at the time of publication.
Addictions Minister Ya’ara Saks has also refrained from divulging Ottawa’s response, indicating that the federal government is still reviewing B.C.’s plea to adjust the decriminalization policy.
Pilot Project
The decriminalization pilot project was initiated in response to the opioid and street drug crisis, which has resulted in over 14,000 overdose deaths since the public health emergency was declared in April 2016.
The province is one year into the three-year pilot project that commenced in January 2023 when Health Canada granted an exemption to federal drug laws, decriminalizing possession of up to 2.5 grams of specific illegal drugs like heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine.
Last week, B.C. Premier David Eby urged Health Canada to amend the exemption order to reclassify the use of these drugs in public areas such as hospitals, public transportation, and parks and equip law enforcement with the necessary measures to prevent public drug use.
Mr. Eby has faced criticism from provincial and federal conservative politicians for supporting the decriminalization project.
In response to opposition claims that his decriminalization plan had failed, Mr. Eby asserted in the B.C. Legislature on May 1 that the proposed policy amendment would enhance public safety.
“Our request to Ottawa excludes areas where individuals can use drugs under medical supervision to prevent overdoses and access care,” he stated, noting that decriminalization would still apply in private residences.
He expressed his expectation for Health Canada to promptly implement the province’s policy adjustments.
Ms. Saks recently stated that it is premature to assess the efficacy of decriminalization but emphasized that Ottawa recognizes the urgency of B.C.’s policy alteration request. She assured that the government would collaborate with the province to implement any necessary changes.
The report highlighted that no region in the province is untouched by the ongoing toxic drug crisis, with Vancouver, Surrey, and Nanaimo being the most severely impacted areas.
Matthew Horwood contributed to this report.
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