Drug Decriminalization

• Seven more B.C. mayors support Vancouver’s push for drug decriminalization

  The City of Vancouver's bid to gain Health Canada approval to decriminalize small amounts of illicit drugs has won support from the mayors of seven other British Columbia cities.

  Health

  Jun 11
• No time for drug decriminalization plan redo, Vancouver mayor says

  Kennedy Stewart says he understands some drug users aren't happy with the city's proposed decriminalization plan, but time is critical and the details can be worked out later.

  Health

  May 12
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• Coalition says users were shut out of drug decriminalization proposal, demands redo

  "We cannot abide by the phony 'Vancouver Model' of decriminalization and refuse to be tokenized in petty political bids," reads the letter from groups representing users.

  Health

  May 11
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• Opioid deaths highlight need to decriminalize hard-drug possession in Canada: police chiefs

  The scourge of overdose deaths underscores the need for Canada to decriminalize simple possession of hard drugs, the head of the national chiefs of police association said.

  Canada

  Jan 28
• Vancouver mayor hopeful as Ottawa agrees to talks over decriminalization of drugs

  Vancouver city council voted unanimously in November to request an exemption to federal drug laws during the overdose crisis.

  Health

  Jan 27
• Vancouver to ask feds to decriminalize drug possession within city boundaries

  The move is intended to fight the escalating overdose crisis, but would require a federal exemption from drug laws.

  Health

  Nov 26, 2020
• As Vancouver’s drug crisis continues, is decriminalization the answer?

  Vancouver Mayor Kennedy Stewart wants to see all drugs decriminalized, but it's not that easy, Mike Smyth argues.

  Commentary

  Nov 19, 2020
• Despite record drug deaths amid coronavirus, Trudeau still won’t support decriminalization

  Trudeau said decriminalization is "one option among many" that could help solve Canada's opioid crisis, but that it's not "a silver bullet."

  Canada

  Sep 2, 2020
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• Canada needs new approach to tackle worsening opioid crisis, study says

  There have been more than 15,000 apparent opioid-related deaths in Canada since 2016.

  Canada

  Aug 24, 2020
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• Canada’s police chiefs support decriminalizing drug possession. Is change coming?

  Experts say the police chiefs' recommendation is "a long time coming" and are hopeful it will spur lawmakers to craft new policies.

  Canada

  Jul 10, 2020