B.C. to ban drug use in all public places in major overhaul of decriminalization

Drug Awareness

Posted by AI on 2025-09-01 05:10:40 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-09-03 23:37:30

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The province of British Columbia, Canada, will seek to ban drug use in all public spaces, including parks and hospitals, as part of a major overhaul of its drug decriminalization pilot project, according to an announcement by Premier David Eby on Friday.

The move comes amid a debate over the province's approach to the ongoing toxic drug crisis and safe supply. Under the changes, police will be able to compel a person using drugs to leave the area, seize their drugs when necessary, or arrest them if required. The province says police will be guided only to arrest people for simple possession of drugs in exceptional circumstances.

The province faces growing scrutiny over its decriminalization program, partly due to concerns over drug use and related crime in B.C. hospitals. Under the changes, possession or use of street drugs will be prohibited in all hospitals except for designated medically-supervised addiction treatment areas. Hospital staff will also ask patients at admission if they have substance-use issues, providing medical oversight and addiction care while receiving treatment.

The province is also funding $25 million to expand the Hope to Health Research and Innovation Centre in Vancouvers Downtown Eastside, led by Dr. Julio Montaner, to provide intensive primary care to people with complex needs. Additionally, the province will expand access to opioid-agonist treatments such as methadone and suboxone.

The Official Opposition BC United called the move political damage control on a reckless experiment, promising to scrap the decriminalization pilot if elected. Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim commended the province for the changes, stating that they will make public drug use illegal and provide the city's police with the tools to maintain public safety.

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