The announcement that small amounts of some hard drugs would be made crime-free in B.C. was hailed as a significant victory by advocates there, but it is receiving a more cautious reception by a mayor formerly by some provinces. .
in an interview Rosemary Barton Live Airing Sunday, Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark acknowledged the need to tackle the crisis of toxic drug overdoses across the country — including in his own city — and said the B.C. case “could be a step we can take.” It might help to learn how to do it.” Different method.”
Clark told CBC’s chief political correspondent Rosemary Barton that all levels of government in BC were committed to a strategy of de-criminalisation, something that Saskatchewan did not have. The provincial government there has said that they will not follow BC’s leadership. The police boards of Saskatoon and Regina are studying the case.
“We don’t have the same alignment between municipal police and provincial governments that we see in British Columbia, which is why in Saskatchewan I think we need to understand in our province what is the best way to deal with this.” [is],” They said.
Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark talks with CBC’s chief political correspondent Rosemary Barton about the possibility that exemptions to decriminalize small amounts of some harsh drugs in B.C. could be expanded to other parts of Canada, while B.C. Mother Kathleen Radu – who lost her son to a toxic substance. Drug overdose – discusses what it can achieve.
Clark also stated that some possession charges were leading to sentencing but that Saskatoon lacks turning points and treatment programs.
He described the record number of toxic overdose deaths and increased use of anti-overdose drugs by first responders in his city, indicating the toxic drug problem that exists in much of the country. His city was also focused on supportive housing and other programs to help deal with the crisis.
“We know that remission alone, guilt alone without those pathways and support – it can also pose a risk.”
Part of de-criminalisation solution: BC Ma
In B.C., while personal possession of 2.5 grams of opioids, cocaine, methamphetamine and MDMA will be acquitted of felonies beginning January 31 of next year, the number of suspected toxic drug overdoses is at a record high, with more than 2,200 deaths last year. level reached.
Kathleen Radu lost her son to a toxic drug overdose. She told Barton that the federal government’s exemptions to B.C. that allow delinquency don’t go far enough.
“I think this is just a wall in the house that we need to build against this crisis,” Radu said. “Basically, this exemption has put a Band-Aid over the bullet hole.”
Federal Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Carolyn Bennett and her provincial counterpart, Sheila Malcomson, announced that adults in British Columbia would be allowed to own small amounts of certain illicit drugs from next year – a move that marked a dramatic change in Canada’s drug policy. A symbol of change.
Radu condemned the federal government’s decision, supported by Conservative MPs, to vote down bill C-216, a private member’s bill introduced by NDP MP Gord Johns, which would reduce drug possession across the country. would have given.
“This is a health crisis and toxic drugs are not going away,” she said. “And if anything, it’s about to get worse. We’ve already buried too many children. Too many families’ lives are now too shattered to stop.”
Speaking in the House of Commons on Wednesday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the government was “ready to work with any other jurisdiction that wants to take this responsible approach.”
Nation World News: The House9:02Will Drug Decriminalization Stop in the Rockies?
NDP MP Gord Johns talks about his proposed legislation to reduce drug possession across Canada, which was defeated a day after the federal government announced limited decriminalization in B.C.
Johns, who represents Courtenay-Alberni’s B.C. ride, told CBC host Chris Hall House That the government has failed to adopt a national approach to deal with the national crisis.
“Incrementalism is dead when it comes to the toxic drug crisis, and we need the government to move quickly in its response,” he said in an interview aired on Saturday.
Johns noted that 14 Liberal lawmakers had defected from the government for voting in favor of his bill and accused the government of backing down on political sides.
“It’s extremely disappointing, given the huge number of people dying that they don’t want to hear from the experts. It’s not a vote winner. And it really comes down to it. Politics is killing people.”
You can watch the full episode of Rosemary Barton Live CBC Gem, CBC’s Streaming Service,
