UBCM and the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions are seeking new members to join the Decriminalization Local Government Working Group from May 2024 to January 2026. Applicants must be senior local government staff, with preference given to candidates from small and medium communities, as well as communities in the North, Kootenays and Island regions.
The Decriminalization Local Government Working Group will provide input and advice on a range of issues related to local government and decriminalization, including implementation, communications and engagement, and monitoring and evaluation. Working group members are expected to represent the views of their respective councils or boards and are responsible for sharing information and consulting within their organizations as appropriate.
Meetings will take place virtually, four to six times a year, until January 2026.
Local government senior staff (CAOs, Directors, Fire Chief, etc.) who are interested in representing their communities can forward expressions of interest and relevant experience to UBCM by Friday, April 12, by 4pm.
As background, the BC government was granted an exemption by Health Canada from the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act to decriminalize the possession of certain illegal drugs. This is one of the approaches by the provincial government to address the ongoing toxic poisoning crisis. The exemption began January 31, 2023 and is in effect until January 31, 2026. Under this exemption, adults (18 years and older) in BC will not be arrested or charged for possessing small amounts of certain illegal drugs for personal use. The total amount of illegal drug(s) must be equal to or less than 2.5 grams.
In November, the provincial government passed legislation to restrict the use of illicit substances in public spaces. However, the BC Supreme Court has granted an interim injunction preventing the legislation from coming into force until at least March 31, 2024.