B.C. Premier David Eby is scheduled to make an announcement on Wednesday afternoon about improving care for people living with complex mental health and addictions challenges.
Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Jennifer Whiteside and Minister of Health Adrian Dix will be among those joining the premier at the announcement in Vancouver at 1 p.m. PT.
The B.C. NDP government and its mental health and addictions programs have been under fire from people on all sides of the political spectrum in recent months.
In particular, the province’s approach to the toxic drug crisis and people living with addiction has been criticized.
More than 14,400 people — including at least 126 children and youth — have died in B.C. as a result of toxic drugs since a provincial public health emergency was declared in April 2016. Indigenous people continue to be disproportionately affected by toxic drugs.
In March, B.C.’s auditor general determined that two government programs aimed at curbing the death toll from the crisis were not “effectively implemented” by the ministries of health and mental health and addictions.
In April, the province rolled back the drug decriminalization program it announced in January 2023, once more giving police the ability to seize drugs and arrest people using them in spaces like parks, bus stops and hospitals.
While some believed this was the right move, others felt it would put lives at risk.
Meanwhile, the safer supply program in B.C., designed to offer drug users non-toxic, prescription alternatives to potentially poisoned illicit drugs, has also drawn mixed reaction.
According to B.C. Mental Health and Substance User Services, people who have complex needs are those who have severe illnesses, where other complicating factors are present and treatment is considered challenging.