Question Period Note: Lessons Learned from BC

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• Changing laws alone is not sufficient. To be successful, decriminalization needs to be accompanied by implementing a comprehensive suite of actions. These actions include:
o Pathways that can be used to re-direct people from the criminal justice system to the health and social systems;
o Comprehensive health and social supports for people who are diverted, when and where they need it;
o Law enforcement readiness to be able to divert people who use drugs away from the justice system and towards health supports;
o Ongoing and clear public education and communications of the rules in place to protect health and safety, for example, where or when public use will not be tolerated, as with any other drug or substance use like alcohol, cannabis, or tobacco;
o Ongoing engagement to understand relevant concerns being raised so that they can be addressed in a timely manner.
• The need for these additional complementary actions is precisely why my predecessor sent a Letter of Requirements with the original exemption, setting out the Government’s expectations in terms of the full suite of actions necessary for BC to take to support successful implementation.
• The war on drugs hasn’t worked. To find solutions to this crisis, it is necessary to be bold and try new approaches, monitor them rigorously, and then follow the data and evidence.
• That is why in the case of BC, we have set out the requirement for BC to monitor its new approach, in addition to an arm’s length 3rd party evaluation that is measuring impacts and outcomes.
• As the first exemption of its kind in Canada, there was always an understanding that adjustments may need to be made along the way. We are working with BC to do that.
The B.C. request
• From the outset we’ve been clear: BC’s exemption could and would be adjusted if needed. At BC’s request, we’re doing just that.
• We approved their request because everyone deserves to feel safe in their communities.
• Our government will continue to support approaches that help divert people away from the criminal justice system and towards health and social services.
• We remain ready to support BC as they work to fight the toxic drug and overdose crisis across the province.
Local Bylaws for Public Use
• The exemption granted to BC does not change the ability of local governments to pass or amend their bylaws as they know the best needs of their community and how to respond to it.
• We continue to work relentlessly to reduce substance use related harms.
• We will continue to work with BC and respond to the challenges posed by toxic drug and overdose crisis in the province.

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