Canadian province to recriminalise use of drugs in public spaces

BRITISH COLUMBIA has announced plans to re-criminalise the use of drugs in public after the Canadian government came under fire over rampant drug use in hospitals and parks.

David Eby, the province’s premier, said compassion for addicts “does not mean anything goes” as he announced the policy overhaul less than 18 months after the Canadian province decriminalised drug possession and use.

The January 2023 policy allows adult drug users in British Columbia to carry up to 2.5g of drugs for personal use without facing criminal charges. Since it came into effect, there has been a backlash from local politicians, health workers and police about open drug use in public spaces.

The partial about-turn comes weeks after the US state of Oregon reversed its decriminalisation policy after struggling with a spike in overdoses and a rise in drug users on the streets.

Mr Eby said that the province is asking the federal government to make drug use illegal in all public spaces, including inside hospitals, on public transport and in parks.

“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.

Fiona Wilson, Vancouver Police’s deputy chief, added: “We’ve heard loud and clear from the front-line police officers who continue to see the unintended ramifications that unchecked public drug use has on the safety and well-being of neighbourhoods.

“And the feedback has been unequivocal – public consumption is a significant issue that needs to be addressed and major changes are required.”