Kanada. Stopping the Harm: Decriminalization of People Who Use Drugs in BC
Kanada. Stopping the Harm: Decriminalization of People Who Use Drugs in BC
In April 2016, in response to an ongoing, escalating crisis of illegal drug related overdose deaths, the PHO declared BC’s first public health emergency under the Public Health Act. A multi-sector response was launched by the provincial government and its partners to keep people who use drugs safe from harm. Early findings show that the province’s strategies are saving lives; however, the number of overdose deaths has continued to rise and remains consistently high throughout the province. This PHO special report provides an analysis of the harms associated with criminal justice-based approaches to drug policy, and offers a recommendation to further support response efforts: decriminalization of people who possess controlled drugs for personal use. The report identifies two potential mechanisms for implementing this change in BC. (Dr. Bonnie Henry, Provincial Health Officer, British Columbia, 24.04.2019)