Evidence supports ending criminalization of people who use drugs

When the 2021 election was called and Parliament dissolved, three bills proposing different alternatives to current sanctions for personal possession of illegal drugs dissolved with it. When legislation is re-introduced this session, it’s important to get the details right.

New Mental Health and Addictions Minister Carolyn Bennett, who also holds the title of associate health minister, is pictured, left, with Minister of Health Jean-Yves Duclos speaking with media on Oct. 27. There is increasing evidence that decriminalization can reduce the harms associated with substance use, and substance use policy—including the changes in the drug supply, writes Denna Berg.The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Opinion

BY DENNA BERG

November 29, 2021

A toxic drug supply is causing an unprecedented number of deaths, highlighting the need for urgent change in how Canada responds to drug use. When the 2021 election was called and Parliament dissolved, three bills (Bills C-22, C-286, and S-229) proposing different alternatives to current sanctions f...

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