The federal government says it is reviewing B.C.’s request to recriminalize open drug use in public spaces.
On Friday, April 26, the province announced it is working with the federal government to change the legality of drug possession in B.C., to give police power to “enforce against drug use in all public places, including hospitals, restaurants, transit, parks, and beaches.”
When confronted by reporters on Parliament Hill Tuesday, Mental Health and Addictions Minister Yaara Saks declined to say when the federal government might act.
“We are reviewing [B.C.’s] request at this time. Our focus is that this is a health issue and we do not want to see a recriminalization of people who need health care,” said Saks, who added the request was received Friday.
The B.C. government said last week it is bringing in “several new measures” which will focus on “providing police with more tools to address public safety while offering support and access to treatment for people living with addictions.”
The measures include a “single policy prohibiting” the use and possession of street drugs in hospitals. The province says enforcement will be increased, as will supports to help patients with addiction and encourage treatment and recovery. When a patient is admitted to a hospital in B.C., the provincial government says they will be asked if they are dealing with any substance-use issues, which will then dictate supports and medical oversight to help them with care during their treatment.
The province is stressing that these measures do not recriminalize drug possession in a private homes or places where someone is legally sheltering. Drug possession will also not be criminalized at overdose prevention sites and drug-checking locations.
With files from Hana Mae Nassar and Cormac Mac Sweeney