Former Vancouver mayor’s decriminalization book criticized by some
Posted January 18, 2023 2:01 pm.
Last Updated January 18, 2023 2:02 pm.
Former Vancouver Mayor Kennedy Stewart is revealing in a new book the difficult talks he had with government about decriminalizing drugs in B.C.
He describes it as useful insight into policy negotiations, but the upcoming book is making some advocates cringe.
“I think it’s important for really ordinary folks to understand this issue from the perspective of how hard it is to get any kind of change, especially as something of this magnitude, which is really, I would say, is more like legalizing cannabis than it is like opening a new center or something like that,” Stewart explained on his book.
The former mayor revealed Monday that his book, titled “Decrim: How We Decriminalized Drugs in British Columbia,” is in the works. The announcement came alongside word that he would be the new director for Simon Fraser University’s Centre for Public Policy Research.
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However, the publication is drawing some criticism. Tyson Singh Kelsall, a Downtown Eastside outreach worker and SFU student, is among those calling Stewart out for his endeavour.
“A watered-down version that the B.C government is calling decriminalization is coming. And it’s kind of sickening for the former mayor to try to profit off this watered-down policy while six people die a day across the province,” Singh Kelsall told CityNews.
As of Jan. 31, 2023, British Columbia will allow adults to carry 2.5 grams of drugs, including opioids, cocaine, crystal meth, and MDMA, for personal consumption.
Groups like Moms Stop he Harm and the Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users argue the amount that is being decriminalized is too low and doesn’t reflect what many drug users would use daily.
Many advocates say safe supply will would save more lives.
“I do agree with drug users and advocates that thresholds have to be higher. But then there’s the choice of doing nothing or trying to get the best deal you can, and that’s what I think we’ve achieved,” Stewart said.
There are also different opinions on whether this book will provide meaningful insight or just one perspective in of a larger failure.
“It’s a minor policy change in action but it’s taken a tremendous amounts of resources from multiple ministries, collaborations with the police. Collective levels of government had the opportunity to do something really big and significant here and they decided not to. I think just for political symbolism,” Singh Kelsall said.
The former mayor repeatedly stated during his interview with CityNews that drug users and advocates have been leading activism and that he acknowledges there has been backlash about his book announcement.
“It’s hard to criticize a book before you read it. So, I mean, a lot of it starts with how everything that I’ve done has sprung from the local drug using community. But I think it’s really important to talk about those inside conversations that none of them were part of,” Stewart added.
B.C.’s exemption from the federal drug act is set to be in place for three years, unless it is revoked or replaced. During this period, there will be no arrests or charges against people who are found to have 2.5 grams or less of the substances listed above for personal use. The drugs will also not be seized.
B.C. became the first province to be granted an exemption from Health Canada to decriminalize possession of small amounts of drugs.
As part of its exemption, the B.C. government previously said that it had made a number of commitments, including consultation with Indigenous people, people who use drugs, law enforcement, and racialized communities; as well as training and guidance for police agencies.
-With files from Hana Mae Nassar
