Addictions Minister Ya’ara Saks announced Monday the federal cabinet is still deliberating on BC's appeal to address public disorder resulting from the decriminalization of drug possession, says Blacklock's Reporter.The province had requested reinstatement of a criminal ban on public drug use due to escalating issues stemming from the experiment.“We are reviewing the request to the exemption they put forward to us,” Saks informed reporters. However, she refrained from specifying when a decision might be reached, indicating that the matter is currently under review by officials.In response to inquiries about the timeline for a response, Saks clarified, "I only received the letter on Friday. It is under review with officials at this time."BC Premier David Eby acknowledged the challenges arising from the decriminalization policy, recognizing the issues related to public use and disorder. However, Saks declined to elaborate on the public disorder concerns, emphasizing the need to approach the issue as a healthcare crisis.When pressed on the effectiveness of the decriminalization policy, Saks reiterated the importance of addressing addiction as a healthcare issue and emphasized ongoing evaluation of the data in collaboration with BC.Meanwhile, opposition voices in the Commons, led by Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, criticized the delay in addressing the public drug use issue, urging immediate action to permit police intervention. During a session of the Commons health committee, witnesses echoed concerns about the limitations of decriminalization as a sole solution to addiction. Dr. Alexander Caudarella, CEO of the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction, emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach that includes treatment, recovery, and harm reduction.Conservative MP Todd Doherty, speaking from personal experience, underscored the importance of prioritizing treatment in federal drug policy, citing his own family's struggles with addiction. Doherty's testimony echoed the broader call for a holistic approach to addressing substance abuse and addiction..This is what the Western Standard is up againstThe Trudeau government is funding lies and propaganda by directly subsidizing the mainstream media. They do this to entrench the powerful Eastern, woke and corrupt interests that dominate the political, social and economic institutions in Canada. Federal authorities are constantly trying to censor us and stop us from publishing the stories that they don’t want you to read. Ottawa may weaponize our taxes and police against us, but we’ve got a powerful ally on our side.You. Free men, and free women. We need you to stand with us and become a member of the Western Standard. Here’s what you will get for your membership:Unlimited access to all articles from the Western Standard, Alberta Report, West Coast Standard, and Saskatchewan Standard, with no paywall. Our daily newsletter delivered to your inbox. .Access to exclusive Member-only WS events.Keep the West’s leading independent media voice strong and free.If you can, please support us with a monthly or annual membership. It takes just a moment to set up, and you will be making a big impact on keeping one the last independent media outlets in Canada free from Ottawa’s corrupting influence.
Addictions Minister Ya’ara Saks announced Monday the federal cabinet is still deliberating on BC's appeal to address public disorder resulting from the decriminalization of drug possession, says Blacklock's Reporter.The province had requested reinstatement of a criminal ban on public drug use due to escalating issues stemming from the experiment.“We are reviewing the request to the exemption they put forward to us,” Saks informed reporters. However, she refrained from specifying when a decision might be reached, indicating that the matter is currently under review by officials.In response to inquiries about the timeline for a response, Saks clarified, "I only received the letter on Friday. It is under review with officials at this time."BC Premier David Eby acknowledged the challenges arising from the decriminalization policy, recognizing the issues related to public use and disorder. However, Saks declined to elaborate on the public disorder concerns, emphasizing the need to approach the issue as a healthcare crisis.When pressed on the effectiveness of the decriminalization policy, Saks reiterated the importance of addressing addiction as a healthcare issue and emphasized ongoing evaluation of the data in collaboration with BC.Meanwhile, opposition voices in the Commons, led by Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, criticized the delay in addressing the public drug use issue, urging immediate action to permit police intervention. During a session of the Commons health committee, witnesses echoed concerns about the limitations of decriminalization as a sole solution to addiction. Dr. Alexander Caudarella, CEO of the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction, emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach that includes treatment, recovery, and harm reduction.Conservative MP Todd Doherty, speaking from personal experience, underscored the importance of prioritizing treatment in federal drug policy, citing his own family's struggles with addiction. Doherty's testimony echoed the broader call for a holistic approach to addressing substance abuse and addiction..This is what the Western Standard is up againstThe Trudeau government is funding lies and propaganda by directly subsidizing the mainstream media. They do this to entrench the powerful Eastern, woke and corrupt interests that dominate the political, social and economic institutions in Canada. Federal authorities are constantly trying to censor us and stop us from publishing the stories that they don’t want you to read. Ottawa may weaponize our taxes and police against us, but we’ve got a powerful ally on our side.You. Free men, and free women. We need you to stand with us and become a member of the Western Standard. Here’s what you will get for your membership:Unlimited access to all articles from the Western Standard, Alberta Report, West Coast Standard, and Saskatchewan Standard, with no paywall. Our daily newsletter delivered to your inbox. .Access to exclusive Member-only WS events.Keep the West’s leading independent media voice strong and free.If you can, please support us with a monthly or annual membership. It takes just a moment to set up, and you will be making a big impact on keeping one the last independent media outlets in Canada free from Ottawa’s corrupting influence.