Decriminalization

UBCM and the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions are seeking new members to join the Decriminalization Local Government Working Group from May 2024 to January 2026. Applicants must be senior local government staff, with preference given to candidates from small and medium communities, as well as communities in the North, Kootenays and Island regions.

As BC’s decriminalization pilot project reaches the end of its first year, local governments continue to support this initiative as one tool to address the toxic drug crisis. However, recent developments in BC courts leave local governments unclear where public use of illicit drugs will be allowed.