Police chiefs studying decriminalizing drugs as possible solution to opioid crisis

As the opioid crisis continues to kill thousands of Canadians,the country'spolice chiefs are taking acloser look at the possibility of decriminalizing or even legalizing illicit drugs,CBCNews/Radio-Canada has learned

A spokesperson for the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police cautions thatthe group hasn't yet taken aposition on legalization they're still investigating the issue.

"It's important to emphasize that decriminalization is one option amongothers for combatingthe opioid crisis," Natalie Wright said in an e-mail

In March, thegroup's board of directorsvoted to put in place a special committee to look at four issues:

• Exploring the impact that decriminalization or legalization of drugs could have on police forces
• Identifying models of decriminalization
• Looking at existing research and identify gaps
• Developing a position for the CACP

Wright said the opioidcrisis has been identified as a strategic priorityfor the association.

The Public Health Agency of Canada saysmore than 4,000 people died fromopioid-related overdoses in Canada in 2017.

Trudeau weighs in

At the Liberal Party's recent policy convention in Halifax, party members voted in favour of a policy ofdecriminalizingpossession of small amounts of illicit drugs as a way to reduce overdose deaths.

The resolutionbecameofficial party policy. However, the prime minister has indicated it's not about to become government policy just yet.

"We'll of course reflect on next steps for a broad range of issues they bring up. On that particular issue, as I've said, it's not part of our plans," Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told reporters at the convention.

Health Minister Ginette Petitpas-Taylor told CBCNews Network'sPower & Politicson Friday that while Portugal has decriminalized all drugs, such a model wouldn't necessarily work in Canadabecause health care is provided by 13 different provinces and territories rather than directly by the federal government.

"The realities are very, very different," she said.