Decriminalization

• B.C. ends three-year drug decriminalization pilot program

  'The toxic-drug crisis continues to take lives and cause tremendous pain across British Columbia,' Minister of Health Josie Osborne said in a statement.

  Politics

  Jan 14
  
• B.C. not returning to ‘decriminalized public drug use,’ premier says

  The three-year pilot project removed criminal penalties for the possession of small amounts of illicit drugs, which was aimed at reducing the stigma around drug use.

  Politics

  Jan 6
  
• Advertisement
• ‘Not working’: B.C. police chiefs withdraw support for decriminalization

  We're getting more insight from one of B.C.'s top police officers on the dramatic about-face by police chiefs to withdraw their support for drug decriminalization.

  Health

  Dec 11, 2024
• Advertisement
• Retiring Prince George RCMP boss says decriminalization was hardest issue to navigate

  As Supt. Shaun Wright of Prince George RCMP prepares to step down, he spoke about his years on the job. 'By far, the biggest thing that I've had to navigate was decriminalization.'

  Crime

  Aug 12, 2024
• ‘We just disagree’: Premier at odds with B.C.’s top doctor on drug legalization

  The comments came after provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry testified at a federal parliamentary standing committee on health on May 30.

  Health

  Jun 6, 2024
• First Oregon, now B.C.: Why drug decriminalization faces renewed questions

  Drug addiction researchers and advocates for a comprehensive, health-based approach say decriminalization needs time to work, and only with connected supports.

  Health

  May 20, 2024
• Federal government rejects Toronto’s request for drug decriminalization

  Health Canada declined Toronto's longstanding request in a statement issued on Friday afternoon. The decision came after a plea from the province to say no.

  Health

  May 17, 2024
• Penticton overdose prevention site closes due to costly repairs

  Penticton Area Overdose Prevention Society announced earlier this week that their bus is in need of some costly repairs.

  Health

  May 15, 2024
• Advertisement
• B.C. to ban drug use in all public places in major overhaul of decriminalization

  The move comes amid a raging debate over the province's approach to the ongoing deadly toxic drug crisis, including decriminalization and "safe supply."

  Health

  Apr 26, 2024
• Advertisement
• Trio of Metro Vancouver councillors call for end of B.C.’s drug decriminalization pilot

  Linda Annis in Surrey, Daniel Fontaine in New Westminster and Alexa Loo in Richmond have joined together to call on the province to scrap the program.

  Politics

  Apr 22, 2024