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BC Politics

Conservative Party of BC would use Notwithstanding Clause to overrule court decision on open drug use

Jan 1, 2024 | 8:19 AM

VICTORIA— The Conservative Party of British Columbia has weighed in on the Supreme Court of BC’s decision to block new provincial laws against public consumption of illegal drugs.

The ruling imposes a temporary ban until the end of March with the judge saying “irreparable harm will be caused if the laws come into force”.

Conservative Party of BC Leader John Rustad says his party would use the Notwithstanding Clause to overrule that and “enact a common sense approach that puts people and families first”.

He says “anything short of a total ban on public hard drug use isn’t strong enough noting that if you can’t walk down the street chugging a beer, why would you be allowed to smoke crack in public?”

Rustad adds: “Under Eby’s BC NDP open-air drug dens, like Vancouver’s East Hastings, have been flourishing, and new ones popping up in just about every community. It’s not safe for people and families, and it kills local economies — what tourist or shopper wants to walk down a street where it’s unsafe and smells like drug fumes?”