Decriminalization and Public Use

Whereas BC local governments recognize the urgent need to address the opioid crisis, and support decriminalization as one of the tools to tackle BCs toxic drug health emergency; And whereas concerns have been raised by local governments since the pilot project began in January 2023 on the public use of illicit drugs in child focused spaces such as parks and playgrounds; And whereas the federal government recently announced that effective September 18, 2023 the Health Canada exemption will be expanded to prohibit the possession of illicit drugs within 15 meters of any play structure in a playground, a spray park or wading pool, or a skate park: Therefore be it resolved that the provincial government introduce Fall 2023 legislation to further regulate the possession and use of illicit drugs in parks, beaches, sports fields and bus stops where children also gather.