Drug Crisis

Content focusing on the challenging drug crisis facing many communities across the country.

BC Coroners Service sees 'significant decline' in illicit drug deaths, but reason unclear

British Columbia has recorded its lowest monthly number of illicit drug overdose deaths in more than four years, part of what the BC Coroners Service says is a "significant decline" in fatalities this year.

Supreme Court affirms constitutionality of B.C. law on opioid health costs recovery

Canada's top court has affirmed the constitutionality of a law that would allow British Columbia to pursue a class-action lawsuit against opioid providers on behalf of other provinces, the territories...
Backed by former chief coroner, BC Greens introduce platform to address toxic drug crisis

The BC Green Party introduced a plan Tuesday to confront the province's toxic drug crisis ahead of the October election.
First Nations in B.C. declare state of emergency over opioid crisis and mental health

A tribal council representing 14 First Nations along the west coast of Vancouver Island is declaring a state of emergency over the opioid crisis, which is killing their members and leaving others with mental health struggles.
Vancouver's first indoor safe inhalation site opens, aims to reduce toxic drug poisonings

Vancouver's first indoor supervised inhalation site is ready to open with the aim of reducing drug overdose deaths.
People already detained 'against their will' in B.C. for treatment: expert

A legal expert says involuntary treatment already exists in B.C. with a very large number of people detained against their own will.

B.C.'s public safety minister explains what mandatory care 'secure beds' will look like

B.C. Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth sat down with CityNews and explained that mandatory treatment will be handled by mental health professionals.
B.C.'s forced drug treatment plan lacks 'sincerity, credibility': health expert

B.C. Premier David Eby's plan to mandate treatment for substance use disorders is facing criticism from some health experts.
B.C. drug user advocates concerned over political support for forced treatment

Drug policy experts and people who use drugs say they’re concerned that both the BC NDP and the B.C. Conservative Party could be open to forced treatment options.
BC Conservatives announce involuntary treatment for those with substance use disorders

The BC Conservatives are promising to support people who "pose a risk to themselves and others" through involuntary treatment for substance use disorders.