Commentary
Carolyn Bennett, federal minister of mental health and addictions, recently announced a change to Canada’s policies on illegal drug use. As of Jan. 1, 2023, a three-year experimental period will be inaugurated in British Columbia whereby small quantities of substances such as heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and MDMA (ecstasy) will be allowed for personal use. Under this new plan, those found with these drugs will not arrested, charged, or have their drugs seized. Instead, a helpful police officer or social worker will offer them information on available health and social services.
This move came as a surprise to some with knowledge of a similar decriminalization undertaken in Oregon. In that state, possession of such drugs is penalized only by a maximum US$100 fine, which can be waived if the person calls a counselling hotline for a health assessment. Of the 2,000 tickets issued by police, only 19 ended with someone requesting help with addiction. Half those given citations never even showed up in court. Most importantly, deaths from drug overdoses have increased as have opioid overdoses treated by emergency rooms….