PM agrees safe supply key to fighting overdoses

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Ottawa is moving “aggressively” on ensuring a safe drug supply during the overdose crisis that’s claimed more than 900 lives in B.C. alone this year.

He said Wednesday that his government is basing its approach on science and evidence, looking at the crisis as a health issue rather than a criminal justice issue.

Trudeau said the government is heeding the advice of top public-health officials, including B.C.’s provincial health officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, and Canada’s chief public health officer, Dr. Theresa Tam.

Both doctors have called for increased access to a safe supply of illicit drugs to prevent deaths from toxic substances and extreme concentrations of powerful opioids, such as fentanyl.

Henry continues to call for the decriminalization of small amounts of drugs for personal use, and last month, Tam made the same suggestion.

Pressed on whether his government would consider that move, Trudeau said a safe supply is the key “and that is what we’ve moved forward on without having to take the step to decriminalization.”

He said significant investments are still needed on housing, mental health and other support services for people battling addictions and homelessness.

“We know there’s more to do, but we are going to do it responsibly and make sure that we are prioritizing the things that are going to make the biggest difference immediately,” he added.

Trudeau said his government has moved on supporting safe consumption sites and safe supply options despite pushback from political rivals.

Judy Darcy, B.C.’s minister of mental health and addictions, said Wednesday that her government will continue to press the federal government on decriminalization as they work together on increasing the safe supply of drugs.