Liberal MLA calls for decriminalization of hard drugs

EDMONTON Liberal MLA David Swann is calling for decriminalization of hard drugs in the face of the ongoing opioid crisis in Alberta.

The Calgary-Mountain View MLA, a physician, said individuals in possession of drugs such as cocaine, fentanyl and heroin should receive help, not jail time.

“You would perhaps go to a treatment centre, to a physician or counsellor. You’d get social support if you’re homeless. You’d hopefully get a response that is going to lead to at least the possibility of help and healing,” Swann said in an interview Thursday.

People who sell drugs would still face criminal charges, said Swann, the Liberals’ sole MLA and former party leader.

Swann said he’s come around on the issue in light of the high number of continuing opioid deaths in Alberta.

The most recent interim report from the province says there were 228 overdose deaths connected to fentanyl between Jan. 1 and May 6. There were 236 deaths related to carfentanil in Alberta in that same period.

The Liberal MLA said he’s also been influenced by the experience of Portugal, which decriminalized drugs at the turn of the century. Rates of overdose deaths and HIV and hepatitis infection have dropped.

There is a growing debate around the issue in Canada, with Toronto’s top health official recently advocating for decriminalization.

Federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh has called for decriminalization of possession of all drugs.

Swann wants the provincial NDP government to lobby Ottawa on the issue and said he, too, will push the federal government to look at decriminalization.