British Columbia’s drug decriminalization policy, which came into effect on Jan. 1, 2023, has been met with criticism from Delta Police Chief Neil Dubord.
In a scathing open letter, Chief Dubord shut down claims by its proponents, which include the federal government.
Dubord argued that the policy, which aims to reduce the harms of drug use and addiction by treating them as public health issues rather than criminal ones, has not led to a significant decrease in the number of drug poisoning deaths in the province.
“The number of overdose deaths in BC, reaching 791 from the time decriminalization was enacted until May 2023, closely mirrors the figures from the same period in 2022,” wrote Dubord.
Dubord suggested that B.C. should learn from the experience of Portugal, which decriminalized all drugs in 2001 while also requiring addicts to undergo treatment.
Dubord emphasized that decriminalization alone is not enough to address the complex and multifaceted problem of drug use and addiction.
“Portugal’s policy courageously shifted the focus from punishment to health – a much-needed change. However, it underscores the necessity for a comprehensive, sustainable, and flexible whole-system funding model that focuses on a continuum of care,” said Dubord.
“The pilot project involving decriminalization and safe supply of small quantities of drugs in British Columbia (BC) is similarly only a piece in a very complex puzzle that requires an understanding and application of a whole-system approach, addressing the various historical and ongoing silos within our public health and social care systems.”
The B.C. government has since defended its decriminalization policy as one of many approaches it employed.
Other jurisdictions, including Toronto have called for the federal government to allow them to decriminalize hard drugs like fentanyl.
Recently, Ontario Premier Doug Ford pledged to fight calls from the province’s biggest city to follow in the footsteps of British Columbia.
“I will do everything I can to fight this,” said Ford.
“This goes up to the federal government. They cannot be following up with the request. It would be an absolute disaster for our city.”
