OTTAWA — The federal government has given its approval to British Columbia’s request to recriminalize drug use in public spaces, including hospitals and parks, announced on Tuesday.
Speaking at an afternoon news conference, B.C.’s Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth stated that the province’s decision was prompted by “community concerns” and aimed at addressing public safety issues associated with drug use in public areas.
Farnworth emphasized the public’s expectation for safe spaces in parks, playgrounds, and streets, free from the presence of drug use. The move comes as B.C. continues a three-year pilot project to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of certain illicit drugs like heroin and cocaine.
In response to safety concerns arising from public drug consumption, the province approached the federal government to extend the illegality of illicit drug use to all public spaces, including hospitals, public transit, and parks. However, exemptions in the Criminal Code for possession of small amounts of illicit drugs for personal use will remain applicable in private residences, certain healthcare facilities, shelters, and overdose prevention sites.
Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Jennifer Whiteside highlighted that these exemptions aim to ensure individuals using drugs at home feel comfortable seeking help without fear of arrest. She stressed that the primary intention of decriminalization was never to permit unfettered public drug use but to encourage individuals to seek assistance wherever they are using drugs.
Despite the removal of exemptions for public possession, Farnworth assured that the province is collaborating with law enforcement and First Nation partners to establish guidelines for police to arrest for simple possession of illicit drugs only in exceptional circumstances.
Critics, however, raised concerns about the lack of clear direction provided to law enforcement. Elenore Sturko, BC United’s shadow minister for mental health, addiction, and recovery, criticized the decision, arguing that it shifts the burden back onto the police without providing adequate guidance for assisting those in need.
Drug user advocates, including Corey Ranger of the Harm Reduction Nurses Association and Leslie McBain of Moms Stop the Harm, expressed disappointment with the province’s request for changes to the exemptions. Ranger accused the government of prioritizing punishment over solutions like housing and mental health support, while McBain called for a focus on increasing overdose prevention sites to reduce public drug use.
The approval of B.C.’s request marks a significant development in the ongoing efforts to address drug-related challenges and public safety concerns in the province.