‘Patchwork approach’ to drug decriminalization ‘shameful,’ shows ‘lack of leadership’ from feds, say advocates, critics

Conservative MP Brad Vis called the exemption ‘soft on crime,’ and accused Liberals of ‘normalizing use of fentanyl.’

NDP MP Gord Johns speaks at a June 1 press conference, calling on the government to support his Bill C-216 and the need for a health-based approach to substance use. The bill failed to move forward in the House after a 248-71 vote on June 1.The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

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BY STUART BENSON

June 8, 2022

Despite the federal government leaving the door open to expanding the decriminalization of small amounts of drugs in the future, drug policy and human rights organizations across the country are criticizing the temporary exemption approved for British Columbia on May 3...

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