Court denies bid from B.C. government to appeal injunction of law against public drug use

The BC Court of Appeal has denied a bid from the provincial government to appeal an injunction of a new law that prohibits drug use in public spaces.

Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth says the decision is disappointing.

“We think it makes sense that laws around public drug use be similar to those already in place for public smoking, alcohol and cannabis,” he said in a statement.

“Our government remains committed to treating drug addiction as a health care issue and not as a criminal one. People struggling with addiction challenges need connections to appropriate health care services where and when they need it.”

The province passed Bill 34 last November to prevent drug use in public, but the BC Supreme Court blocked the law, saying it went against people’s charter rights and would cause “irreparable harm.” The province applied to appeal the injunction, which expires Mar. 31.

Farnworth says the province will continue to defend Bill 34 in court.

“The legislation that passed in the legislature last November aims to help people feel safe in community spaces while also encouraging people struggling with addiction to connect with the services and supports they need,” he said.

The possession of any amount of illegal drugs remains prohibited near schools, childcare facilities, and playgrounds.