A look at what’s being said about drug decriminalization in other parts of Canada
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It was introduced this week that the possession of small quantities of road medication will likely be decriminalized in British Columbia in an effort to gradual the overdose disaster that has killed practically 10,000 individuals since 2016.
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Efficient Jan. 31, British Columbians who possess as much as 2.5 grams of illicit medication for private use won’t be arrested or charged. The three-year exemption will apply to drug customers 18 and over and embody opioids, cocaine, methamphetamine and MDMA, also referred to as ecstasy. Substances won’t be confiscated.
Right here’s what has been mentioned about drug decriminalization in different components of the nation:
Alberta: Premier Jason Kenney has mentioned he believes the transfer is counterproductive. Edmonton has proven curiosity within the initiative, however has not submitted a proposal looking for decriminalization.
Saskatchewan: The provincial authorities has mentioned it isn’t contemplating any choice to criminally exempt substances comparable to methamphetamine and cocaine. Saskatoon has reportedly proven curiosity within the initiative, however has not submitted a proposal looking for decriminalization.
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Manitoba: Manitoba’s authorities has mentioned it won’t search decriminalizing possession. Justice Minister Kelvin Goertzen says the province is concentrated on chopping off the illicit drug provide whereas providing dependancy remedy for customers. The Opposition New Democrats say the federal government ought to examine the impression of the change in British Columbia earlier than making up its thoughts.
Ontario: A decriminalization proposal from Toronto Public Well being is at present up for consideration, and the federal authorities has mentioned it plans to work with town in the identical approach it did with B.C. Ontario’s New Democrats and Inexperienced Occasion each say they may work with Ottawa on decriminalizing medication for private use if elected to type authorities, however the Liberals say decriminalization isn’t of their present plan. The Progressive Conservatives didn’t instantly reply to requests for touch upon the difficulty.
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Quebec: Quebec Premier Francois Legault says the province has no plans to pursue decriminalization. Montreal has reportedly proven curiosity within the initiative, however has not submitted a proposal.
New Brunswick: Well being Minister Dorothy Shephard has mentioned she is to listen to what B.C. has performed. She mentioned her province has been working to assist individuals affected by the drug disaster moderately than criminalize them.
Prince Edward Island: The provincial authorities says there are not any instant plans to pursue an exemption for adults to own small quantities of sure unlawful medication for private use. It says it’s following the scenario in B.C.
Nova Scotia: Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston says his province will monitor what B.C. is doing, however it’s not one thing his authorities is contemplating doing proper now.
This report by The Canadian Press was first revealed June 2, 2022.
