The Big Story

Has decriminalization failed in BC?

May 17, 2024

Reporter Jen St. Denis discusses BC's failed drug decriminalization, exploring why it didn't work as intended, the implications for other places like Toronto, and the ongoing debate between harm reduction advocates and conservative politicians. The podcast also delves into the challenges of policy changes and safe consumption sites for drug users in Downtown East Side.

21:39

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Episode guests

Jen St. Denis

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Quick takeaways

BC's decriminalization pilot aimed to reduce stigma, improve survival rates, and decrease imprisonment cycles.

Concerns over public drug use led BC to reverse aspects of the decriminalization program.

Deep dives

BC's Drug Decriminalization Pilot Program

British Columbia implemented a pilot program focused on drug decriminalization to address substance use as a public health matter, not a criminal justice issue. The program aimed to reduce stigma around drug use, improve survival rates, and decrease the cycle of incarceration and recidivism. The decriminalization allowed possession of small amounts of hard drugs without leading to arrest or charges, with an initial focus on 2.5 grams of drugs like heroin, fentanyl, and meth.

Introduction

2min

Complexities of Drug Decriminalization in British Columbia

15min

Analyzing the Impact and Challenges of Drug Decriminalization Decision on Toronto

2min

Navigating Policy Changes and Safe Consumption Sites for Drug Users

2min

Wrapping Up the BC Decriminalization Discussion

2min

More than a year ago, BC decriminalized possession of small amounts of certain drugs. Earlier this month, they asked the federal government to recriminalize public use of those drugs. It was supposed to be a three-year pilot, but the key part of it lasted less than half that time. What made the government throw in the towel? Why didn't this project work as intended? And what does this mean for other places, specifically Toronto, that are considering similar measures?

GUEST: Jen St. Denis, reporter with The Tyee covering housing and civic issues, with a particular focus on Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside

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