'Convenient scapegoat': British Columbia scraps drug decriminalisation experiment in a sudden move

In a sudden move, British Columbia has reversed its 'landmark' drug decriminalisation experiment. 

On Friday (Apr 26), the British Columbia Office of the Premier in a press release announced that the Canadian Province was "taking action to make illicit drug use illegal in all public spaces, including inside hospitals, on transit and in parks."

Keeping people safe

David Eby, the premier, announced that he's asking the federal government to make public drug use illegal again.

"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." 

"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 added.

The experiment

When British Columbia started the experiment in 2023, it was a big change in how the law treats drug use. The experiment sought to help people who use drugs instead of punishing them or making them feel like criminals. 

The plan was supposed to run for three years and be closely watched by the federal and provincial governments.

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At the time, Canada's health minister said it could be a model for other places, and the province's health officer believed it could make a real difference in the overdose crisis happening in British Columbia.

However, now, the province is scaling back on the decriminalisation effort. While experts say that fixing the drug supply is crucial to stopping deaths, many people are unhappy with the open drug use and the number of deaths. Some think the government has been too lenient.

In a statement, Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General 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."

"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."  

As per the Guardian, people will still be allowed to have a small amount — 2.5g — of certain drugs in private places, like homes or safe injection sites. However, police will now be able to take drugs from people using them in public or even arrest them in some cases.

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However, the decision to roll back the decriminalisation has been criticised by advocacy groups, who say the province didn't give the experiment a "fair chance". They have also alleged that the province is using it as an excuse for other problems like the housing crisis and poverty.

On X, Moms Stop the Harm posted, "BC never gave #decrim a fair chance. It is blamed for social issues that are the result of policy failure[s] resulting in a housing crisis & poverty."

"Rather than address the real issues [Eby] found a convenient scapegoat. Our loved ones die," it added.

(With inputs from agencies)