By Adam Berls

decriminalization

‘Insanity’: Poilievre says of drug use in hospitals, releases plan to deal with decriminalization

May 21, 2024 | 3:49 PM

PRINCE GEORGE — It was April 26 when the provincial government announced that they would ban drug use in all public places in a major overhaul of decriminalization. The government made a formal request to Health Canada to change the exemption under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, and Health Canada has granted that request.

However, in an exclusive interview to CKPG News with federal Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, he says that Ottawa isn’t doing enough.

“Basically, the NDP/Liberals, decriminalized hard drugs and therefore, the hospital system sent out a memo saying that nurses and doctors had to allow people to smoke meth, crack and shoot up heroin in hospital rooms.” – Pierre Poilievre, Leader of the Official Opposition (Conservative)

Poilievre announced the Conservatives’ plans to deal with decriminalization in Vancouver, putting forward a bill called the Safe Hospitals Act:

Fundraising tournament

Community honours Dillon Adey's legacy 15 years after tragic accident

1h ago

Entertainment

Prince George Rodeo takes place this weekend

12h ago

BUS STOP

Council to keep bus stop on Davis Road after feedback from community

Jun 14, 2024

1. End the Health Minister’s power to grant exemptions under s.56 of the Controlled Drug and Substances Act if the exemption would allow people to use dangerous illicit drugs like fentanyl and meth in hospitals.
2. Create an aggravating factor for the purposes of sentencing if a criminal has a weapon in a hospital.
3. Immediately pass Cariboo-Prince George Conservative MP Todd Doherty’s Bill C-321, which will create an aggravating factor for assault committed against healthcare workers or first responders.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was also in British Columbia recently, and said that when it comes to decriminalization, the focus should be on public health rather than criminal justice, saying:

“We’re going to continue to follow the science. We’re going to continue to work around harm reduction, and support for people who are struggling with addictions. We’re looking at investing in more community supports and more wraparound services every step of the way. We will be guided by thoughtful, compassionate, public health principles, rather than ideology or criminalization of people who need support and need help, and don’t need jail sentences.”

The Conservatives have also said that they would also pass Todd Doherty’s bill C-321 which would create an aggravating factor for assault committed against healthcare workers or first responders. The party has said that the ban would not apply to any drugs prescribed by medical practitioners like doctors and nurses.

—

X: @AdamBerls

Email: Adam.Berls@pattisonmedia.com