B.C. ends three-year drug decriminalization pilot program

British Columbia has ended its three-year drug decriminalization pilot and will not seek a federal renewal; officials said the pilot did not deliver the results hoped for and that other approaches will continue to address the toxic-drug crisis.

British Columbia has ended its three-year drug decriminalization pilot program and will not ask the federal government to renew the exemption. The pilot began in 2023 to reduce criminalization for people with substance use disorders and to make it easier to seek help. Health Minister Josie Osborne said the program did not deliver the results hoped for and framed addiction as a health issue rather than a criminal justice issue. Officials also said the toxic-drug crisis continues to take lives and affect communities, and that the provincial response will continue to evolve. Key facts: - The provincial government announced the pilot will end and that it will not request a federal renewal of the exemption. - The pilot was launched in 2023 to reduce barriers for people seeking help by removing the threat of criminalization for possession of small amounts of certain drugs. - Minister Josie Osborne said the program did not meet expectations and emphasized plans to build a "more complete" mental health and addictions care system, without providing further detail. - BC RCMP stated that with the end of the exemption police can fully enforce the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and will focus on those who make and traffic toxic drugs while applying a measured approach. Summary: The province has ended the pilot and will not pursue a federal renewal of the exemption, shifting the status quo back toward full enforcement of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Officials say work to address the toxic-drug crisis will continue through other health and addiction initiatives, though specific plans and timelines were not provided. Undetermined at this time