B.C. introduces bill to ban illicit drug use in many public spaces

The B.C. government has tabled new legislation that would ban illegal drug use in many public places, less than a year into a decriminalization pilot project meant to de-stigmatize drug users.

If passed, the bill would ban the use of illicit drugs within six metres of all building entrances and bus stops;within 15 metres of playgrounds, spray and wading pools, and skate parks; and in parks, beaches and sports fields.

"British Columbians overwhelmingly agree addiction is a health matter. At the same time, they're also concerned about open drug use in public spaces, especially near where kids play," Premier David Eby said in a news release.

He said the new restrictions will bring the rules in line with those for smoking, drinking and cannabis use.

Public SafetyMinister Mike FarnworthFarnworth said the law wouldn't criminally punish people using drugs in public areas but enforcement officers will ask them to stop or direct them to another area.

He also suggested police could offer resources for addiction treatment.

Farnworthsaid the province is "doing everything we can" to expand treatment for substance use disordersamid B.C.'s seven-year public health emergency overtoxic drug deaths.

However, B.C.'s chief coroner has made it clear that people with severe drug dependencies do not make up the majority of people dying from the unregulated drug supply.

'Disappointed butnot surprised'

Corey Ranger, president of the Harm Reduction Nurses Association said he is "disappointed but not surprised" by what he describes as a "complete walkback" in the province's decriminalization policy.

"People are going to be forced to conceal their use, and a poisoned drug supply that's contaminated with benzodiazepines and animal tranquilizers, plus isolation, is a recipe for death," Ranger said.

He said there are not enough overdose prevention sites to meet demand, particularly in rural and remote areas.

WATCH | Advocate worries B.C. 'starting to back away' from decriminalization project:

Drug user advocate concerned over ban on drug use in more public spaces

11 months ago

Duration 3:24

On CBC's BC Today, Garth Mullins with the Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users said the proposed changes to the decriminalization pilot suggests the government is 'starting to back away' from the project.

The Vancouver Network of Drug Users (VANDU) also spoke out against the impending changes ahead of the announcement,saying it would push people into using drugs indoors, in unsafe environments, and have "deadly consequences."

"For this pilot to have any chance of success in reducing the harm of toxic drugs, the B.C. government must stand behind it with proper resources, not water it down and walk it back," said VANDU board member Dave Hamm in a news conference Wednesday.

The group also calledon B.C. to create more overdose prevention sites (OPS), including safe inhalation spaces.

Use of drugs in public yet to be regulated

The proposed changes come after municipal governmentsasked for more supportregarding the three-year pilot project on decriminalization, which decriminalizes the personal possession of certain illicit drugs in the province,meaningany adult may legally carryup to 2.5 grams of certain illicit drugs.Experts and advocates have saidthe policy saves lives.

The move was an attempt to reduce stigma and combat deaths from the toxic drug crisis, which has killed nearly 13,000 people in B.C. since apublic health emergency was declared in April 2016.

However the use of those substances in public has yet to be regulated. Earlier this year, the B.C. Ministry of Public Safety conducted consultation with municipalities on this issue.

In mid-September,the province announced a ban on drug possession within 15 metres of playgrounds, spray pools, wading poolsand skate parks.

Changes just'one piece of the puzzle': mayor

During the Union of B.C. Municipalitiesconvention in September,municipalitiesasked the province for more supportaround regulating public drug use under the pilotand expandingpossession and use prohibitions, and the province promised further changes to the regulations would come in the fall.

Municipalities such asKamloops, Campbell River, and Sicamoushave tried to bring in their own bylaws limiting consumption of illicit drugs in public spaces.

Dan Ruimy, mayor of Maple Ridge, said he was one of many mayors who asked for support following a rise in open drug use after the pilot began. He said today's changes are "one piece of the puzzle."

"It's not just about punishment, it's about helping those folks who are challenged, find the resources we need," Ruimy said.

"And of course, we need more resources from the federal government, the provincial government."

WATCH | Mayor says municipalities lack resources to support drug users, public, in pilot:

Changes to B.C. drug decriminalization pilot fail to address resource issues, says mayor

11 months ago

Duration 3:22

Gladys Atrill, mayor of the Town of Smithers, tells BC Today host Michelle Eliot that municipalities lack the resources to protect public safety and to support the well-being of drug users.

Kelowna MayorTom Dyas, who has previously said he wantedto see restrictions extended to include transit stops and beaches, said he's not opposed to safe consumption sites as long as they are paired with resources to help people transition away from drug use.

He said there is a "substantial shortfall" of treatment spacesfor people with addictions and mental health issues.

"What we see within our community is people who are reaching out to try to find some help," he said, "and the help isn't there for them."

Eby said the province will work with communities to expand resources for treatment.