The Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions is evaluating the implementation of the decriminalization policy. Elected officials and senior local government staff who can speak on behalf of their local government are invited to provide feedback by March 15 about the implementation of the decriminalization policy from a local government perspective.
Health Canada granted an exemption under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act to the Province of BC. From January 31, 2023, until January 31, 2026, adults in BC are not subject to criminal charges for the personal possession of small amounts of certain illegal drugs. Decriminalization is a key part of BC’s comprehensive approach to addressing the stigma and criminalization of people who use drugs and tackling the toxic drug crisis and drug use-related harms. For more information about the Decriminalization policy, please visit the BC Centre for Disease Control.
For questions about the decriminalization policy implementation evaluation or the questionnaire, please email the evaluators, Qatalyst Research, or call them at 778-379-5590, ext. 2.