Minister of Addictions and Mental Health Ya’ara Saks said Tuesday the federal government has approved the B.C. government’s request to recriminalize the use of illicit drugs in public spaces.
B.C. Premier David Eby asked for an adjustment to the province’s decriminalization program late last month
Minister of Addictions and Mental Health Ya’ara Saks said Tuesday the federal government has approved the B.C. government’s request to recriminalize the use of illicit drugs in public spaces.
The province is just over a year into a pilot program that allows adults to carry up to 2.5 grams of drugs for personal use without facing criminal charges. The program was made possible through an exemption granted by Health Canada under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
B.C. Premier David Eby asked nearly two weeks ago for an adjustment to the exemption order to recriminalize the use of those drugs in public spaces, such as hospitals and restaurants.
Saks told reporters outside the House of Commons that she has approved the request and it will take effect “immediately.”
While adults would still be allowed to carry small amounts of illicit drugs and use them in private, they could be arrested for using them in public.
More to come …
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