VANCOUVER - British Columbia's rights watchdog has criticized the province for stigmatizing people who use drugs, calling it a violation of their human rights to treat their health issues as "moral failings."

Kasari Govender said in a position statement issued by her office Thursday that B.C.'s recent focus on involuntary care and "criminal justice responses" to the toxic drugs crisis is driven largely by stigma.

Govender said in an interview that the province should refocus on expanding safer supply and harm-reduction programs due to evidence presented by health professionals including B.C.'s provincial health officer and former chief coroner Lisa Lapointe.

"I really want to ensure that these decisions are not driven by political popularity," Govender said of B.C.'s recent shift toward

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