Cabinet is not “preoccupied” with decriminalizing narcotics, Addictions Minister Ya’ara Saks said Tuesday during testimony before the Commons health committee. Blacklock's Reporter says despite the conclusion of a short-lived decriminalization experiment in British Columbia, Saks declined to label the program a failure, instead emphasizing the need for a broad approach to addressing substance use.“When it comes to decriminalization, it seems only the Conservatives seem to be polarizing this debate,” said Saks. “When we look at jurisdictions like Switzerland, Germany, Portugal, other places in the world understand that to help those who struggle with substance use, we cannot stigmatize and criminalize them.”Conservative MP Laila Goodrich (Fort McMurray-Cold Lake, Alta.) criticized the policy as a failure. “The Canadian Association of Chief of Police and British Columbia’s Association of Chiefs of Police have both pulled their support from this failed Liberal program,” she said.The decriminalization pilot suspended enforcement of the Controlled Drugs And Substances Act in B.C. from February 1, 2023, to May 7, 2024. It allowed public possession of up to 2.5 grams of narcotics but was cut short after 15 months due to public disorder complaints.Overdose deaths during the trial totaled 3,313, a 16.5% increase compared to the 2,843 deaths in the 15 months prior, according to the British Columbia Coroners Service.“Do you believe decriminalization has been successful in British Columbia?” asked Goodrich. Saks responded, “The only party that is preoccupied with decriminalization is really the Opposition.”Goodrich pressed further: “Will you say it was a success?” Saks avoided a direct answer, stating, “I had the opportunity to speak with the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police directly, and we are all in agreement that all tools are needed to address the toxic drug supply.”New Democrat MP Gord Johns (Courtenay-Alberni, B.C.) countered that the policy had merits. “Since decriminalization was implemented, my understanding is the toxic overdose deaths in British Columbia actually dropped,” he said.Saks maintained her stance, saying, “It seems the Conservatives are big on outrage,” while emphasizing the need for a collaborative approach to tackling Canada’s toxic drug crisis.
