Question Period Note: Criticism that the Exemption is leading to more overdose deaths

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• It is inaccurate to claim that this exemption is the cause of an increase in overdose deaths.
• This exemption was in place for a little over a year in one single province.
• The overdose crisis was declared in BC in 2016, with further devastating increases seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Provinces across the country, using a variety of strategies, are also experiencing significant and tragic increases in overdose deaths.
• We know from available data that overdose deaths in this country are being fueled by a toxic and highly potent illegal drug supply.
• This is an extremely complex health crisis. Addressing it will take a full suite of actions across the continuum of care while also continuing to protect community safety.
If pressed on future requests from other jurisdictions
• We are committed to saving lives and connecting people to health and social services and supports.
• Exemption requests are reviewed on a case by case basis, taking into account a range of factors including public health and public safety.
• The support or opposition of key stakeholders whose cooperation is important to implementation, is another key factor.
• We continue to use all tools at our disposal to address this crisis, including efforts to divert people away from the criminal justice system to appropriate health and social services, while maintaining community safety.
If Pressed on International Jurisdictions
• From an international perspective, over 30 countries have some form of model in place lifting criminal penalties for the possession of small amounts of drugs.
• These include the following countries:
o Germany
o Portugal
o Spain
o Switzerland
o Netherlands
o Australia’s Australian Capital Territory
o Czech Republic
o Italy
o Mexico
o Argentina
o Colombia
o Croatia

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