A final internal memo to former Addictions Minister Ya’ara Saks admitted that the federal government’s drug decriminalization pilot in British Columbia failed to reduce overdose deaths, warning that legislative change alone was not enough.Blacklock's Reporter says the December 17 document, obtained through Access To Information, stated that merely altering laws would not address the opioid crisis. “Changing laws alone is not sufficient,” the memo read, adding that any drug possession exemption “needs to be accompanied by a comprehensive suite of actions.”The federal health department appeared to play down the results of the 15-month program, noting it was the first of its kind in Canada and would likely require adjustments. The trial, which began in early 2023, allowed public possession of up to 2.5 grams of narcotics in B.C., a major departure from longstanding federal drug laws dating back to 1911.Despite initial plans to run the program for three years, cabinet cut it short on May 7 following public backlash and rising concerns about street-level disorder. During the trial period, overdose deaths in B.C. rose to 3,313 — up 16.5% from the 2,843 deaths recorded in the previous 15 months, according to the provincial coroner.The memo also advised Saks to avoid discussing any national expansion of drug decriminalization, stating explicitly: “There is no plan for national decriminalization.” Weeks later, Saks was dropped from cabinet on March 13 and lost her seat in York Centre, Ont. to Conservative candidate Roman Baber by 5,792 votes.A separate 2024 health department survey found public opinion had shifted against the policy. A majority of 53% of Canadians agreed that decriminalization would lead to more overdoses, and 48% said it would make their communities less safe.In testimony to the Commons health committee last December, Saks refused to acknowledge shortcomings in the program. “It seems only the Opposition is preoccupied with national decriminalization,” she said.Between 2017 and 2022, cabinet spent $820 million on its Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy, which included support for harm reduction and drug policy reform.
