More than 1,100 overdose deaths in B.C. in nine months as death toll climbs
VICTORIA — The unprecedented overdose death toll in British Columbia means it may be time to have a “courageous conversation” about decriminalizing the drugs that are killing so many people, says the province’s minister of addictions.
While decriminalizing drugs is a federal matter, Judy Darcy said Thursday the province is doing everything it can to stem the number of deaths.
“I think the fundamental issue here is we need to start treating addiction like a health issue,” she said, adding many people living with addictions are homeless or living in poverty.
“We need to be pouring on the supports so that we have a pathway to hope for people and so they don’t end up in the criminal justice system.”