Canadian provinces scaling back harm-reduction services

Electioneering politicians in two of Canada's most populous provinces are scaling back harm-reduction programmes amid a national public health crisis driven by surging rates of fentanyl usage. The retreat from harm-reduction programmes contradicts calls from senior public health officials for the expansion of these programmes, and is based on crime data that scientists dispute.

 

In British Columbia, which has a population of 5 million, the Provincial Government recriminalised public consumption of illicit drugs last April. Then, on Sept 15, the Government announced it would expand efforts to force drug users into involuntary treatment. “People with addiction challenges, brain injuries, and mental health issues need compassionate care and direct and assertive intervention to help them stabilise and rebuild a meaningful life”, British Columbia Premier David Eby said while announcing stiffened measures to criminalise and incarcerate drug users.