Letter to the Editor

A year ago today, British Columbia became the first jurisdiction in Canada to take steps to treat addiction as a health issue rather than a criminal one. Our government’s goal is to reduce the fear and shame associated with addiction, so more people can feel comfortable reaching out for help.

People living with addiction shouldn’t be trapped in the court system. It doesn’t help anyone or make communities any safer. Fear of criminal repercussions increases risks of overdose by leading people with addiction challenges to hide their substance use and deters people from calling for help during an overdose emergency. Further, we know criminalization can have an impact on the ability for someone to seek and hold employment, income and housing, which further perpetuates cycles of poverty and undermines people’s recovery journeys.

The decriminalization pilot project is part of B.C.’s broader work to address the ongoing toxic drug crisis, and we are beginning to see results. We have already seen a decrease in the criminalizing of people who are living with addiction, so they can be better connected to health care they need.

This past year has seen a concerning increase in toxic drug deaths in provinces across the country, and British Columbia was no exception. Ending this measure will not save a single life. As the toxicity of illicit street drugs continues to increase, more people are at serious risk. There is no single solution to this complex and unrelenting public-health emergency, and we will continue to use every tool available to save lives and connect people to care.

This includes investing in early intervention and prevention services, expanding access to harm-reduction supports, increasing medication-assisted treatments, and expanding treatment and recovery services so more people can get care they need where and when they need it.

Our government remains determined to stem the tide of the illicit drug poisoning crisis by doing everything we can to help people and save lives. This measure, as one part of our comprehensive, ongoing actions, will help us get there.

Jennifer Whiteside,

B.C. Minister of Mental Health and Addictions

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