IN THE LEDGE – NDP govt burying its head in the sand on decriminalization

Excerpt from Question Period in the B.C. Legislature today (Feb. 8, 2023):

P. Milobar: Not a day goes by that the members on this side of the House aren’t confronted by constituents and family members desperately trying to seek help for their kids and their loved ones and their family, help that just doesn’t exist.

Unfortunately, this NDP government insists on burying its head in the sand when it comes to decriminalization of crystal meth, opioids and cocaine. This government wouldn’t even acknowledge it in their throne speech, in fact. This government won’t acknowledge that it hasn’t even met the very specific criteria in the federal exemption letter allowing this experiment to happen, a letter this government agreed to.

One year ago they were supposed to be ensuring that individuals who desire treatment or other supports can access them when needed. It hasn’t happened.

One year ago they agreed to be putting in place a substance use system of care and meeting the unique needs of specific regions and communities, such as those in rural and remote communities. That hasn’t happened. One year ago they agreed that they needed to be educating the public as part of a comprehensive public education plan and engaging with communities. That hasn’t happened.

These are directly out of the letters of requirement from the federal government, and one year ago…. It says right here: “Data collection will need to start immediately upon the granting of the exemption to establish a baseline.” A year ago. This government has had a year that they were supposed to be collecting data for the baseline. That hasn’t happened.

We couldn’t even get an answer out of the ministry yesterday because the House Leader decided to stand up and avoid the question. So again, why hasn’t the minister met the very specific criteria set out in the federal exemption letter? When will the minister release the baseline data that was supposed to be being collected over this last year?

Hon. J. Whiteside: I have to say that I think that British Columbians looked at the process that we were all collectively engaged in last year through the Health Standing Committee and the support for all of the recommendations in that report by all parties, including decriminalization. I think that folks can take some hope that we’re all collectively working together to support British Columbians through what is an absolutely unrelenting public health crisis.

Interjections.

Mr. Speaker: Shhh. Members, please.

Hon. J. Whiteside: As we work to do that work and to make the investments — which include new outpatient withdrawal management services in multiple locations in the Interior; new treatment and stabilization beds in Kamloops, Kelowna, Lillooet and Prince George; adding 105 treatment beds; expanding detox beds in the north Island, all of that work — we are very grateful to have the collaboration and cooperation from our partners in health authorities, from front-line providers.

Again, we will continue to do the work, to take action, to ramp up beds in Kamloops, Kelowna, Lillooet and Prince George; adding 105 treatment beds; expanding detox beds in the north Island — all of that work. We are very grateful to have the collaboration and cooperation from our partners in health authorities, from front-line providers. Again, we will continue to do the work, to take action, to ramp up services and make the investments that are necessary.

Source: B.C. Hansard