B.C. inmates say difficulty accessing opiate replacements unconstitutional
VANCOUVER — Four heroin-addicted inmates in British Columbia jails have launched a charter challenge to gain opiate addiction treatment, arguing they deserve the same health care they could access in the community.
The group contends that B.C. Corrections’ policies unconstitutionally block them from being prescribed methadone or suboxone if they don’t meet specific criteria.
“What I know about addiction is people have insight into their condition and they’re ready to ask for help when they’re ready to change,” said their lawyer Adrienne Smith.
Smith filed a notice of civil claim and an application for an injunction in B.C. Supreme Court on Friday.