OTTAWA, April 26 (Xinhua) -- Canada's British Columbia provincial government on Friday called off a drug decriminalization pilot project which allowed drug users to carry small amounts of drugs.
British Columbia is taking action to make illicit drug use illegal in all public spaces, including inside hospitals, on transit and in parks, the provincial government said in a news release.
"Keeping people safe is our highest priority. While we are caring and compassionate for those struggling with addiction, we do not accept street disorder that makes communities feel unsafe," said David Eby, premier of British Columbia. "We're taking action to make sure police have the tools they need to ensure safe and comfortable communities for everyone as we expand treatment options so people can stay alive and get better."
According to the release, the province is working with the federal government to make changes to the legality of possessing drugs in British Columbia. This will provide police with the power to enforce against drug use in all public places, including hospitals, restaurants, transit, parks and beaches. Guidance will be given to police to only arrest for simple possession of illicit drugs in exceptional circumstances.
When police are called to a scene where illegal and dangerous drug use is taking place, they will have the ability to compel the person to leave the area, seize the drugs when necessary or arrest the person, if required, the release said.
This change would not recriminalize drug possession in a private residence or place where someone is legally sheltering, or at overdose prevention sites and drug checking locations, the release added.
"Our communities are facing big challenges. People are dying from deadly street drugs and we see the issues with public use and disorder on our streets," said Mike Farnworth, minister of public safety and solicitor general. "As we continue to go after the gangs and organized criminals who are making and trafficking toxic drugs, we're taking action now to make it illegal to use drugs in public spaces, and to expand access to treatment to help people who need it most."
British Columbia introduced the pilot program in January 2023 which allowed adult drug users in the province to carry up to 2.5 grams of drugs for personal use without facing criminal charges.
