File photo (Image credit: CFJC Today).

By Lorne Doerkson, MLA for Cariboo-Chilcotin

SOUND OFF

SOUND OFF: Police confirm diversion of government-supplied drugs

Apr 25, 2024 | 10:30 AM

DAVID EBY PROMISED REAL ACTION that would save lives in the overdose crisis when he became premier. But a year and a half later, the results couldn’t be worse.

In 2023 overdose deaths hit an all-time high, with 2,511 people losing their lives to drugs. That’s a five percent increase from the previous record of 2,383 deaths in 2022. This is an average of seven people dying every day from overdoses.

It’s clear the NDP’s reckless “safe supply” and decriminalization programs are not only failing to save lives but are causing chaos in communities across the province.

For months, BC United has been raising concerns on the diversion of so-called “safe supply.” Despite denials from the NDP, substantial evidence is piling up showing that drugs intended for safe supply are being diverted to unintended recipients.

Vancouver Police Department Deputy Chief Fiona Wilson confirmed that 50 percent of hydromorphone seizures are drugs diverted from government-funded safe supply. High-profile drug seizures in Prince George and Campbell River further highlight the widespread diversion of government drugs onto streets and into the hands of youth.

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The link between government-supplied addictive drugs and organized crime isn’t just troubling—it’s a profound failure in the execution of a program that was supposed to protect society’s most vulnerable, not further endanger lives.

Deputy Chief Wilson also raised concerns about the NDP’s decriminalization experiment, noting that police are largely powerless to address open drug use such as people smoking meth beside a family with young children at a public beach.

Adding to the concern are reports from B.C.’s Auditor General, which shine a light on the lack of transparency, communication, and consultation in the NDP’s overdose and “safe supply” programs.

The unintended consequences of these reckless NDP policies are visible and alarming. Instead of listening to the evidence, David Eby continues to double down doing the same thing while expecting different results.

A bold new direction is needed, one that prioritizes free treatment rather than just free drugs for those struggling with addictions.

BC United’s ‘Better is Possible’ plan will build a recovery-oriented system of care by emphasizing treatment, recovery, and strict measures against drug trafficking. Our plan will deliver results through a three-step approach to make treatment more accessible and affordable, increase services for complex mental health needs, and implement awareness and prevention education campaigns.

Today, we see the results of the NDP’s failed approach to the overdose crisis as more people than ever tragically lose their lives and government-supplied drugs flood our streets. It’s time for a new direction because better is possible.

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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.