The future of B.C.’s drug decriminalization exemption drew passionate responses at a Sept. 4 council meeting, after Coun. Marg Gardiner proposed a letter opposing its renewal.

"Addiction is a health issue; it is not a criminal one," said Gardiner. "But distributing illicit drugs is a criminal issue."

In January 2023, Health Canada granted B.C. a three-year exemption to decriminalize the use of illicit drugs. It allows for personal use of small amounts of certain drugs in private residences, designated clinics, lawful shelters and overdose prevention/drug checking sites.

With the exemption expiring on Jan. 31, 2026, Gardiner, who also called for a halt to safe consumption sites this year, requested that council write a letter to voice opposition to its renewal.

"No level of government s

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