Health and Addictions Minister Sheila Malcolmson speaks at UBCM on September 12, 2022. As the decriminalization of small amounts of drugs takes effect Jan. 31 in B.C., provincial officials say cooperation is needed at all levels of government, law enforcement and health authorities. It’s necessary, they say, so that those with substance abuse problems feel less stigmatized and get the help they need. More than 10,000 British Columbians have died from an overdose since 2016, the year B.C. declared the crisis a public health emergency. “There isn’t a family or community in the province that hasn’t been affected by lost lives,” Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, told delegates at the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) conference in Whistler in September. 13. “Substance use is a health care problem, not a criminal one,” he said, noting that it’s shame and fear that too often keep people from seeking help. The federal government approved an exemption for such possession in May. Malcolmson’s federal bond, Carolyn Bennett, made it clear that the exemption is not legalization. The substances will remain illegal. However, adults who possess 2.5 grams or less of drugs — including fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamine and MDMA — for personal use will no longer be arrested, charged or have the drugs confiscated their. The department’s senior director of decriminalization Chris Van Veen said no arrests would be made under that 2.5 gram limit. He said there would be no mandatory treatment for substance abuse issues, a statement contrary to what NPD leader-designate David Eby made several weeks ago for people who have had multiple overdoses. “No one is coerced or coerced,” Van Veen said. Instead, the police will offer information about available health and social supports and help with referrals when requested. “Drugs and drug dealing remain illegal,” Malcolmson stressed. The minister noted that decriminalization is only one part of the overall program aimed at fighting drug issues and saving lives. “There is no evidence that tells us this will increase drug use,” said Ally Butler, the department’s executive director of substance use policy. Butler said other parts include prevention, harm reduction, treatment and recovery, support systems, overdose response and a First Nations-specific response. In addition, he said, decriminalization would stop drug seizures, which could lead people to go and find ways to buy more drugs, through petty crime and survival sex. Speakers said the exemption does not apply in a variety of situations, including on K-12 school property, licensed daycare centers, airports, Coast Guard vessels and helicopters, members of the Armed Forces with a service code and operators of motor vehicles and vessels . Abbotsford Police Chief Mike Serr has been dealing with drug abuse issues since his time as a police officer in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside years ago. Remain part of the teams looking for solutions. He raised the issue of public consumption once decriminalization becomes a reality. Sher said police have legislated tools to deal with the public consumption of alcohol and now cannabis, but none to help with the public use of exempt drugs. “You’re probably going to need statute laws to support your police officers,” Serr said. He also warned of ongoing issues with organized crime. “They’re always going to be looking for loopholes and strengths,” he said. “We have to be ready for it.”
