B.C. drug decriminalization not having ‘desired outcome’, police chief says

Delta Police Chief Neil Dubord is out with an open letter, criticizing some of B.C.’s legal drug policies as ineffective in the face of the toxic drug crisis.

Dubord writes that while he agrees with the “underlying principles of decriminalization, it is evident in the early evaluation that our communities are currently not experiencing the desired outcome from this policy change.”

He says early numbers indicate the number of drug poisoning deaths have not been going down.

“The number of overdose deaths in BC, reaching 791 from the time decriminalization was enacted until May 2023, closely mirrors the figures from the same period in 2022,” his letter reads.

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His open letter focuses on potential learnings from Portugal, which he says was “hailed worldwide as a pioneering approach in drug policy.”

Dubord cites a report in the Washington Post that describes Portugal as “having doubts” about its own policy, introduced in 2001.

“The cornerstone of Portugal’s initiative was treatment and recovery,” he explained.

“Portugal’s policy courageously shifted the focus from punishment to health – a much-needed change. However, it underscores the necessity for a comprehensive, sustainable, and flexible whole-system funding model that focuses on a continuum of care. The challenges facing the Portugal model should not be interpreted as a failure of drug decriminalization, but rather as a call for continuous evaluation, improvement and investment to reach the best model possible.”

On Jan. 1, 2023, B.C. became the first province in Canada to decriminalize small amounts of drugs for personal consumption.

In April, the province marked seven years since a public health emergency was declared over the toxic drug crisis.

“The pilot project involving decriminalization and safe supply of small quantities of drugs in British Columbia (BC) is similarly only a piece in a very complex puzzle that requires an understanding and application of a whole-system approach, addressing the various historical and ongoing silos within our public health and social care systems,” Dubord said, adding the province’s “treatment and recovery system is intricate.”

“BC can learn from Portugal’s experiences and, through strong leadership, unwavering resolve, and a whole system approach, make strides toward meaningful progress. The pitfalls of inconsistent policy, lack of oversight and measurement of initiatives, systems working in silos and funding decisions pose risks to the desired objectives of the BC decriminalization pilot project.”

The police chief adds the success of B.C.’s pilot project “hinges on a comprehensive system-wide approach, encompassing sustainable funding, evidence-based addiction treatment with prompt accessibility, concurrent mental health crisis intervention and support, and of course, leadership.”

B.C. tackling drug crisis from ‘every angle’: Ministry

In response, the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions says the province is tackling the problem from “every angle.”

It says it agrees with Dubord’s assessment that “a whole-system approach” is needed to deal with the crisis. However, the ministry goes on to say “decriminalization is one critical way” the province is tackling the problem.

The ministry adds the government plans to spend $1 billion — highlighted in its latest budget — toward addressing addiction, with $586 million included for “treatment and recovery.”