Vancouver
To address public safety while offering support and access to treatment for people living with addictions, the B.C. government has made illicit drug use illegal in all public spaces, including inside hospitals, on transit and in parks.
The province said it’s part of several new measures focused on providing the police with more tools to address the issue.
“Keeping people safe is our highest priority. While we are caring and compassionate for those struggling with addiction, we do not accept street disorder that makes communities feel unsafe,” said Premier David Eby.
“We’re taking action to make sure police have the tools they need to ensure safe and comfortable communities for everyone as we expand treatment options so people can stay alive and get better,” he said.
The province said it is working with the federal government to make changes to the legality of possessing drugs in B.C.
“This will provide police with the power to enforce against drug use in all public places, including hospitals, restaurants, transit, parks and beaches. Guidance will be given to police to only arrest for simple possession of illicit drugs in exceptional circumstances,” the province said in a statement.
The B.C. government said when the police are called to a scene where illegal and dangerous drug use is taking place, they will have the ability to compel the person to leave the area, seize the drugs when necessary or arrest the person, if required.
“This change would not recriminalize drug possession in a private residence or place where someone is legally sheltering, or at overdose prevention sites and drug checking locations,” the province said.
“Our communities are facing big challenges. People are dying from deadly street drugs and we see the issues with public use and disorder on our streets,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General.
“As we continue to go after the gangs and organized criminals who are making and trafficking toxic drugs, we’re taking action now to make it illegal to use drugs in public spaces, and to expand access to treatment to help people who need it most,” he added.
The province said it will also improve safety and security for patients, visitors and health-care workers in hospitals, which includes a single policy prohibiting street-drug possession or use and additional measures to increase enforcement, support patients with addictions, and encourage them toward treatment and recovery.
The Province is also expanding access to treatment for people struggling with addiction, including those who are most at risk of overdose by increasing the availability and accessibility of opioid-agonist treatment (OAT), a medication-assisted treatment for people who have an opioid-use disorder, by implementing a provincewide virtual system; integrating addictions services with health care, housing and related services; and working with experts to develop methods to track prescribed alternatives with the aim of identifying and preventing diversion.