UBCM will no longer seek intervenor status on a court case between the provincial government and the Harm Reduction Nurses Association (HRNA) concerning Bill 34, Restricting Public Consumption of Illegal Substances Act.
In May, the federal government amended the Controlled Drug and Substances Act to prohibit the use of illegal drugs in all public spaces, including inside hospitals, on transit, in playgrounds, spray parks, and wading pools. As the substance of what UBCM sought by intervening in the HRNA litigation has now been addressed through these amendments, UBCM’s Executive has decided that there is no longer a need for UBCM to intervene in this litigation.
Bill 34 received Royal Assent in November 202 and bans the use of illicit drugs in certain public and recreation-focused spaces. In late December, the Harm Reduction Nurses Association obtained a short-term injunction from the B.C. Supreme Court which prevents the legislation from coming into force any sooner than March 31. The injunction has been extended until August 31, 2024. UBCM sought intervenor status to support the provincial legislation.
UBCM members have expressed concerns about the public use of illicit drugs during the decriminalization trial period in BC, and endorsed resolution 2023-SR4, which asked the provincial government to further regulate the possession and use of illicit drugs in parks, beaches, sports fields, and bus stops where children also gather.