B.C. introduces bill to ban illicit drug use in many public spaces
Harm Reduction Nurses Association president said he is 'disappointed but not surprised' by changes
The B.C. government has tabled new legislation that would ban illegal drug use in many public places, less than a year into a decriminalization pilot project meant to de-stigmatize drug users.
If passed, the bill would ban the use of illicit drugs within six metres of all building entrances and bus stops; within 15 metres of playgrounds, spray and wading pools, and skate parks; and in parks, beaches and sports fields.
"British Columbians overwhelmingly agree addiction is a health matter. At the same time, they're also concerned about open drug use in public spaces, especially near where kids play," Premier David Eby said in a news release.
He said the new restrictions will bring the rules in line with those for smoking, drinking and cannabis use.
Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth Farnworth said the law wouldn't criminally punish people using drugs in public areas but enforcement officers will ask them to stop or direct them to another area.
He also suggested police could offer resources for addiction treatment.
Farnworth said the province is "doing everything we can" to expand treatment for substance use disorders amid B.C.'s seven-year public health emergency over toxic drug deaths.
However, B.C.'s chief coroner has made it clear that people with severe drug dependencies do not make up the majority of people dying from the unregulated drug supply.
'Disappointed but not surprised'
Corey Ranger, president of the Harm Reduction Nurses Association said he is "disappointed but not surprised" by what he describes as a "complete walkback" in the province's decriminalization policy.
"People are going to be forced to conceal their use, and a poisoned drug supply that's contaminated with benzodiazepines and animal tranquilizers, plus isolation, is a recipe for death," Ranger said.
He said there are not enough overdose prevention sites to meet demand, particularly in rural and remote areas.
The Vancouver Network of Drug Users (VANDU) also spoke out against the impending changes ahead of the announcement, saying it would push people into using drugs indoors, in unsafe environments, and have "deadly consequences."
"For this pilot to have any chance of success in reducing the harm of toxic drugs, the B.C. government must stand behind it with proper resources, not water it down and walk it back," said VANDU board member Dave Hamm in a news conference Wednesday.
The group also called on B.C. to create more overdose prevention sites (OPS), including safe inhalation spaces.
Use of drugs in public yet to be regulated
The proposed changes come after municipal governments asked for more support regarding the three-year pilot project on decriminalization, which decriminalizes the personal possession of certain illicit drugs in the province, meaning any adult may legally carry up to 2.5 grams of certain illicit drugs. Experts and advocates have said the policy saves lives.
The move was an attempt to reduce stigma and combat deaths from the toxic drug crisis, which has killed nearly 13,000 people in B.C. since a public health emergency was declared in April 2016.
However the use of those substances in public has yet to be regulated. Earlier this year, the B.C. Ministry of Public Safety conducted consultation with municipalities on this issue.
In mid-September, the province announced a ban on drug possession within 15 metres of playgrounds, spray pools, wading pools and skate parks.
Changes just 'one piece of the puzzle': mayor
During the Union of B.C. Municipalities convention in September, municipalities asked the province for more support around regulating public drug use under the pilot and expanding possession and use prohibitions, and the province promised further changes to the regulations would come in the fall.
Municipalities such as Kamloops, Campbell River, and Sicamous have tried to bring in their own bylaws limiting consumption of illicit drugs in public spaces.
Dan Ruimy, mayor of Maple Ridge, said he was one of many mayors who asked for support following a rise in open drug use after the pilot began. He said today's changes are "one piece of the puzzle."
"It's not just about punishment, it's about helping those folks who are challenged, find the resources we need," Ruimy said.
"And of course, we need more resources from the federal government, the provincial government."
Kelowna Mayor Tom Dyas, who has previously said he wanted to see restrictions extended to include transit stops and beaches, said he's not opposed to safe consumption sites as long as they are paired with resources to help people transition away from drug use.
He said there is a "substantial shortfall" of treatment spaces for people with addictions and mental health issues.
"What we see within our community is people who are reaching out to try to find some help," he said, "and the help isn't there for them."
Eby said the province will work with communities to expand resources for treatment.
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With files from Bethany Lindsay and the Canadian Press