Vancouver recorded 408 overdose deaths last year, mayor again calls for decriminalization
Posted February 11, 2021 2:22 pm.
Last Updated February 11, 2021 2:29 pm.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Vancouver’s mayor says he blames the pandemic, combined with an “out-of-control poison drug supply” for his city recording 408 overdose deaths last year.
Kennedy Stewart says “sadness and anger won’t stop more of our neighbours from dying,” and argues Ottawa needs to move faster to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of street drugs. But he adds, “I don’t see any need to exert pressure.”
“They are willing to accept an application from us and [we] do feel supported in this. Frankly, just getting the paperwork in [is] what we’re really racing to do, as the deaths continue to mount here in the city,” he added.
Saying "Sadness and anger won’t stop more of our neighbours from dying" @kennedystewart now outlining measures #Vancouver is taking to bring OD death numbers down.
2020 is worst year on record with 1716 lives lost across #BC.#vanpoli #bcpoli #cdnpoli #opioidcrisis @NEWS1130
— Marcella Bernardo (@MBernardoNews) February 11, 2021
Stewart says the first application to Health Canada for stronger harm reduction measures should be submitted by Mar. 1, with support from the provincial government.
“[We need] to really look at what would be the most important drugs to exempt from the current act to see how we could have our maximum impact as soon as possible,” he said.
Re: response from #Ottawa so far, @kennedystewart says he believes federal government is supportive and they are “racing” to get the paperwork in.
He adds this is not a one size fits all approach because needs of #Vancouver may not be same as other cities. #vanpoli @NEWS1130— Marcella Bernardo (@MBernardoNews) February 11, 2021
He notes plans are already in the works to open at least five new treatment centres in the Metro Vancouver area.
“I think we’re converging on what we need to do to take steps to provide better complex care. I’m confident we can get there,” he added.
Last year was the worst on record for drug overdose deaths province-wide, with 1,760. Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe says illicit fentanyl killed more people in B.C. than crashes, homicides, suicides, and prescription drug-related deaths combined.
B.C. Mental Heath and Addictions Minister Sheila Malcolmson insists progress was being made in 2019. That year, 984 deaths were recorded; it was the first year the province recorded fewer overdose deaths since 2012.
