Horgan supports decriminalization of illicit drugs

British Columbia has been in the midst of a public health emergency for five years when it comes to opioid overdoses and the province is still looking for a solution.

One potential solution is the decriminalization of simple possession of illicit drugs, an idea that’s gotten plenty of attention today.

First, Vancouver Police Chief Adam Palmer, who’s the head of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP), brought it up at a media conference.

Today, we released our report endorsing the decriminalization for simple possession of illicit drugs. / Aujourd'hui, nous avons publié notre rapport qui appui la décriminalisation pour simple possession de drogues illicites. https://t.co/joGw3A4exr pic.twitter.com/xD4sfg31lZ

— CACP / ACCP (@CACP_ACCP) July 9, 2020

As a whole, the CACP agrees that it’s “an effective way to reduce the public health and public safety harms associated with substance use.”

A CACP report said that there should be alternatives to criminal sanctions for simple possession and the police’s focus should be turned towards combating organized crime, drug trafficking and illegal production.

“Arresting individuals for simple possession of illicit drugs has proven to be ineffective,” Palmer said today. “It does not save lives.”

Premier John Horgan was asked his thoughts on the matter during his address today and that he supports decriminalizing simple possession of illicit drugs as well.

He noted that the province has done so much to reduce dependency and give opportunities to those who want to overcome their addictions, but other solutions are needed.

“Anything that we can do to reduce the deaths and reduce the dependence and, quite frankly, free up law enforcement to do other things, I support,” he said.

To do something like this requires federal legislation, of course, but Horgan said he supports the CAPC’s recommendation and that BC stands ready to work with the federal government in this area.