Canada’s opioid crisis has ripped through families in Powell River and on Vancouver Island, according to the federal NDP.
A media release from the party states that since 2016, nearly 6,000 illicit drug overdose deaths have been reported in BC. Vancouver Island NDP MP Gord Johns from the Courtenay-Alberni riding has brought forward a private member's bill, backed by NDP MPs, including North Island-Powell River MP Rachel Blaney, that would help thousands of families dealing with loved ones who use or are addicted to drugs. If passed, among other things, the NDP’s bill would decriminalize drug possession for personal use and expand access to crucial harm reduction, treatment and recovery services, the release stated.
“I’ve walked with parents and heard heartbreaking stories of loss in our communities,” stated Blaney. “No family should have to go through that. It’s clear that the current approach isn’t working. Experts are clear that this crisis needs a health-focused approach. People who use drugs should not be treated like criminals. They need better access to harm reduction and treatment. I am urging all of parliament to act now and save lives.”
According to the release, last year, the cities of Vancouver and Toronto and the province of BC applied to the federal government for the decriminalization of drugs for personal use, a step recommended by the Liberal government’s own expert task force on substance use, and supported by law enforcement organizations, including the Canadian Association of Police Chiefs.
Death from drug toxicity is now the leading cause of death for people aged 19 to 39 living in BC, according to the release.
“Justin Trudeau has allowed the stigma around drug use to persist instead of taking real action to save lives,” stated Johns. “The longer the Liberals drag their feet, the more lives that will be lost. We need to decriminalize immediately and save lives by providing access to a regulated safer supply of drugs for users.
“Besides these necessary steps, this bill would also require the government to remove barriers to employment, housing and travel for thousands of Canadians by expunging their criminal records for simple possession of drugs. This shouldn’t be a partisan issue. I am hopeful that parliamentarians from all parties will support our bill so we can get people the help they need.”
