On May 28, the City of Vancouver became the first jurisdiction in Canada to complete its application to Health Canada for an exemption from the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) under the provision of section 56(1).

Ottawa is now reviewing the application and a decision could come as soon as early summer. We need your help to spread the word on Facebook and Twitter to show support for health-focused drug policy.

We hope the federal government grants this exemption as soon as possible, as deaths from poisoned drugs continue to take a devastating toll on our neighbours across Vancouver.

Decriminalization helps remove stigma by removing criminal sanctions for those possessing drugs under a certain threshold. Instead of fines or sanctions, people would be voluntarily connected with health services, and their substances for personal use and paraphernalia would not be confiscated.

This helps limit police interactions and stops a dangerous cycle where drug users may face withdrawal, partake in survival crimes to purchase more drugs, or seek drugs from unknown dealers that can be riskier and increase the risk of an overdose. 

I understand that decriminalization alone is not enough and continue to advocate for the expansion of safe supply, on top of local and provincial investments in overdose prevention and harm reduction, housing, and Indigenous healing and wellness. 

Please take action today

If you want to learn more about our application, please visit the City of Vancouver’s website here.