Drug decriminalization movement gaining momentum in Canada as overdose deaths surge

Prominent mental health teaching hospital joins calls to decriminalize all illicit drugs
CBC News (Canada)
Wednesday, September 29, 2021

bc fentanyl muralAs overdose deaths keep surging in Canada, the movement to decriminalize illicit drugs is gaining steam, with one of the country's largest mental health facilities joining national advocates and several major cities in putting pressure on the federal government to act. Earlier this summer, mayors from across B.C. signed a letter in support of Vancouver city officials who are seeking Health Canada's approval to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of illegal drugs. Toronto is gearing up to submit a similar request, a move which follows the city recently hitting its highest one-day opioid overdose count in late July. (See also: BC’s rate of drug toxicity deaths has overtaken Ohio and Pennsylvania)