File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By James Peters

Two & Out

PETERS: Grade for NDP government on crisis on B.C.’s streets? ‘Incomplete’

Sep 1, 2023 | 11:29 AM

ONE OF THE MOST UNFORTUNATE FEATURES of B.C.’s ongoing crisis of mental health, substance use and street disorder is how often we are provided glimmers of hope followed by mind-numbing silence from the NDP government.

It’s not that the work the province has done on this file is bad or wrong.

It’s that it’s entirely incomplete.

Destigmatizing drug use by taking criminality away is a positive step in the long run.

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Taking steps toward a regulated, safe supply would be another positive step.

These are ways to keep people alive. That’s important.

Overall, it’s on the right track. It’s headed in the right direction.

There are many more steps to take — and the worry is, the government doesn’t seem to be interested in taking them.

Is the province providing the full breadth of recovery and treatment options that people need in order to help break the cycle of addiction? It doesn’t appear so.

As it stands, wait times and costs are exorbitant. The very nature of substance use disorder requires help to be available for people immediately.

If they have to wait, chances of them being in a position to follow through are very low.

Is the province funding fulsome supportive housing for people who have trouble with housing stability? No.

It takes some political will and the realization that housing and supporting an individual with mental health and substance use concerns is, in fact, more effective and cheaper than constantly responding after the chaos has begun.

It takes vision and leadership, something that has proven to be in short supply in Victoria in recent years.

The many British Columbians who have grown frustrated with the disorder on our streets believe that their governments are doing nothing.

That’s not quite true. They’ve started down the path, but have failed to follow through.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.