Federal Report Shows Decrease in Canadian Support for Drug Decriminalization After BC Pilot Project

A recent federal report reveals that an increasing number of Canadians believe that drug decriminalization actually makes communities less safe. Many prefer approaches that involve law enforcement to address substance abuse issues.

The report, based on a 2024 public opinion survey conducted for Health Canada, shows a slight shift in public opinion compared to the previous year. While 57 percent of Canadians agreed that decriminalization would make it easier for drug users to access health and social services, this number has dropped by 5 percent since 2023. Similarly, the percentage of those who believe decriminalization would reduce stigma towards drug users decreased from 56 percent to 50 percent.

The survey also found that 44 percent of Canadians favor a focus on health and social services to tackle substance abuse, compared to 42 percent who believe that a combination of health and social services with police enforcement is more appropriate. However, support for the health and social services approach has dropped by 5 percent since 2023, while support for combining approaches increased by 7 percentage points.

The report, released in September 2024, highlights the evolving views of Canadian adults on drug decriminalization and the original exemption in British Columbia. The survey results are seen as crucial for monitoring the outcomes of the exemption.

In January 2023, B.C. launched a pilot project to decriminalize public possession of small amounts of hard drugs. However, due to a rise in public disorder and overdose deaths, B.C. Premier David Eby requested Health Canada to amend the exemption order to recriminalize drug use in public spaces like hospitals, transit, and parks. This was in response to reports of increased drug use in public spaces, with some police departments and health-care workers expressing concerns about the impact on public safety.



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