Possession of select illicit drugs is officially decriminalized in British Columbia as a step toward fighting its toxic drug crisis.

Swift Current MLA Everett Hindley reflected on the pilot program that is set to run for the next three years. 

“There's been a lot of commentary throughout the media and public whether it's the right thing to do or not—comparisons to other jurisdictions’ models when it comes to addictions and recovery,” he said. “So, we'll be watching it just like every other province in every other territory is in in Canada, to see what happens with British Columbia and what they're trying.” 

Hindley said the main point of debate among folks seems to be the substances themselves (opioids, crack and powder cocaine, methamphetamine, and MDMA) and the amount allowed in possession for personal use (a combined total of 2.5 grams).

With comments on both sides of the spectrum, many folks think the amount for the pilot program is too much, while others seem to think it’s not enough.

"From Saskatchewan's perspective, decriminalization, like B.C. is going down right now, that's not something we're pursuing,” he stated. “It's not something we're considering. We're focusing on prevention and treatment. Of course, there's a role for harm reduction to play, and that's why as a government we're making some investments into that area as well. Specifically, we're really trying to make sure that we're enhancing prevention strategies, but also treatment, and making sure that people have access to treatment.” 

In relation to new treatment spaces, Hindley assured that an announcement is on the way as to the first phase.  

“We’ve made some investments here in Swift Current,” he said. “There’s some funding from the SHA that goes towards Dorie’s House for treatment, but we need to have more of that for people right across this province. You know where we as the government are focusing on right now, but the overall issue of decriminalization definitely has everyone talking about the pros and the cons of it.” 

Read more about the pilot program here.