B.C. ends drug decriminalization project, advocate calls it unfortunate

British Columbia announced it will not renew its agreement with Health Canada, ending a three-year drug decriminalization pilot that concluded Jan. 31. A harm reduction advocate described the decision as "really unfortunate" and a step backwards.

The provincial government announced it will not renew its agreement with Health Canada and has ended a three-year decriminalization pilot. The pilot began in January 2023 and allowed adults to possess small amounts of certain drugs for personal use under a federal exemption. Health Minister Josie Osborne said the trial was time-limited and "hasn't delivered the results that we hoped for." Harm reduction advocate Guy Felicella, who has lived experience with addiction, said the decision is "really unfortunate" and called it a step backwards. Key developments: - The province will not renew its agreement with Health Canada, formally ending the three-year pilot. - The decriminalization pilot began in January 2023 and allowed possession of small amounts of certain drugs under a federal exemption. - Health Minister Josie Osborne said the pilot was designed as a time-limited trial and reported it did not deliver the expected results. - Advocate Guy Felicella said ending the pilot could return people to criminal justice cycles and affect access to housing and employment. Summary: The pilot ended on Jan. 31 and the province announced it will not renew its federal exemption. Officials reported they will continue work to add treatment and recovery beds and to expand harm reduction services. Undetermined at this time.