B.C. Premier David Eby (Image credit: CFJC Today/File photo).

By Todd Stone, Kamloops-South Thompson MLA

SOUND OFF

SOUND OFF: David Eby must scrap his failed decriminalization experiment

May 2, 2024 | 10:30 AM

FOR THE LAST 15 MONTHS, the BC United Caucus has relentlessly called on the NDP to scrap their decriminalization experiment, pointing to the rapid increase of open drug use, chaos on the streets, and the devastating number of lives lost.

Communities have been forced to grapple with a surge of drug-related activity, with public spaces like parks, restaurants, and even hospitals feeling unsafe.

It’s clear from what’s happening in B.C. communities that David Eby must end his reckless experiment. However, on April 26 Eby doubled down on his failed policy and his accountability for the chaos and harm it has caused.

Yesterday, BC United Leader Kevin Falcon introduced legislation to dismantle David Eby’s reckless drug decriminalization policy – full stop. After the NDP used its majority twice to block BC United’s motions to end decriminalization previously, Kevin Falcon’s bill passed First Reading in the Legislature with support of all MLAs.

If called for debate and enacted, the bill would require the NDP government to “request in writing that the federal minister end the class exemption for adults in the province of British Columbia to possess small amounts of opioids, cocaine, methamphetamine and MDMA under Subsection 56(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (Canada), on or before May 10, 2024. David Eby must call Kevin Falcon’s bill for debate immediately. Failure to do so would clearly show the NDP’s reluctance to be accountable for the chaos and harm this policy has caused.

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This comes in light of our BC United caucus discovering online platforms selling drugs like MDMA, ketamine, and cocaine directly targeting B.C Facebook users with flashy and enticing ads. Pills on this website are being marketed directly to youth as candy with names such as “Molly Gummy Bears,” “Blue Dolphin Pill,” “Homer Simpson Pill,” and “Mickey Mouse Pill.”

The NDP’s drive to destigmatize drug use has facilitated drug exploitation. Numerous websites are now marketing illicit substances under the guise of “safe supply,” brazenly taking advantage of the lack of enforcement and regulatory oversight under the NDP.

While the NDP is ignoring the repercussions of the decriminalization experiment, south of the border in Oregon the government has acknowledged the mess caused by their own decriminalization experiment. Their state re-criminalized the possession of drugs after it saw a 52 per cent increase in overdose deaths during the first year of decriminalization.

The NDP recklessly launched this initiative without expanding the necessary treatment facilities. For over seven years, they’ve failed to increase the net-new treatment beds required to address the escalating demand. Moreover, the 2024 budget neglects the crucial expansion of treatment and recovery services, choosing instead to merely “sustain” the current inadequate treatment programs.

BC United is committed to ending the reckless experiment and instead focusing on treatment. With BC United’s Better is Possible plan, we will prioritize comprehensive treatment and recovery efforts. This includes providing complex mental health support, ensuring affordable and accessible treatment, and implementing awareness and educational prevention campaigns. Additionally, we are committed to stringent enforcement against drug trafficking to restore safety to B.C. communities.

For 15 months David Eby’s reckless decriminalization experiment has put our families and communities at risk. It is time we prioritize recovery and treatment and restore safety to our communities.

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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.