Canada's British Columbia scraps program to allow drug use in public spaces

27/4/2024 7:31

        The Canadian province of British Columbia on Friday scrapped a much-criticized pilot program that allowed the open use of some illegal drugs, citing the need to maintain public safety.
        
        In January 2023, the province said it would stop prosecuting people for carrying small amounts of heroin, meth, ecstasy, or crack cocaine, as part of an effort to fight an overdose crisis.
        
        The program was supposed to last three years but last October, amid complaints about rising crime and the dangers posed by unsafe drug supplies, the province backtracked and unveiled plans to ban public use of illicit drugs.
        
        "Keeping people safe is our highest priority. While we are caring and compassionate for those struggling with addiction, we do not accept street disorder that makes communities feel unsafe," Premier David Eby said in a statement on Friday.
        
        Police will have the power to enforce against drug use in all public places, including hospitals, restaurants, transit, parks and beaches.