B.C.香蕉视频直播檚 minister dedicated to addiction and mental health supports says the province will be officially requesting a federal exemption to decriminalize personal possession of drugs in order to combat the raging overdose crisis.

Wednesday (April 14) since former provincial health officer Dr. Perry Kendall declared illicit drug poisonings as the province香蕉视频直播檚 first public health emergency. Since 2016, more than 7,000 British Columbians have died from illicit drugs 香蕉视频直播� 1,700 of those in 2020, which is the worst year in deaths in the province香蕉视频直播檚 history.

That香蕉视频直播檚 an average of five people dying each day.

ALSO READ:

During a news conference, Addictions Minister Sheila Malcolmson announced $45 million in funds earmarked to curb drug poisonings over three years, as part of the upcoming 2021 budget. The money will be spread across all five health authorities.

People who use drugs should not face criminal penalties, Malcolmson said.

香蕉视频直播淒rug laws and enforcing them has had a punishing effect on people, driving them to use alone and putting their lives in serious jeopardy.香蕉视频直播�

Health officials and advocates have said that the pandemic exacerbated the grip of illicit drugs 香蕉视频直播� with toxicity increasing 香蕉视频直播� as well as forced many drug users into social isolation and using alone.

ALSO READ:

ALSO READ:

More to come.

ashley.wadhwani@bpdigital.ca
Like us on and follow us on .

Want to support local journalism? Make a donation