Poilievre willing to explore mandatory treatment for drug addiction, seeking further research

July 25, 2024 TruthUSA

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre expressed interest in exploring a policy akin to Alberta’s proposed approach of compulsory intervention for drug addiction in specific cases. He mentioned that he would need to delve deeper into the issue before making a decision.

“I need to study it more. I need to understand how it would work,” Mr. Poilievre stated during a press conference on July 25 when questioned about the policy.

He emphasized, “I want everyone struggling with drug addiction to receive treatment and rehabilitation to overcome their addiction. However, I am unsure whether it is feasible to compel someone who doesn’t wish to be rehabilitated.”

The Conservative leader mentioned that he desires to see arguments “for and against” the proposed policy before forming an opinion.

“I am uncertain if it is possible to effectively rehabilitate individuals who have not committed a criminal offense and are unwilling to change. If there’s evidence supporting it, I am open to exploring it, but currently, I would need more evidence,” he added.

Introduced last spring, the Alberta UCP government’s Compassionate Intervention Act proposes empowering family members, doctors, or law enforcement officers to petition a family court for a treatment order when an individual “poses a danger to themselves or others” due to active drug addiction. This order may, in certain situations, mandate the individual to undergo addiction treatment.

If someone is in imminent danger of causing harm, Premier Danielle Smith emphasized the importance of lifesaving measures to help them recover effectively. She mentioned the necessity of ensuring community safety and preventing drug-induced crimes.

The act seeks to address underlying mental health issues contributing to the drug crisis while mitigating social disorder and violence linked to drug-related crimes.

Alberta NDP Mental Health and Addictions Critic Janet Eremenko criticized the UCP for dismissing harm reduction strategies in favor of a compulsory treatment approach, which evidence suggests may not be effective, while omitting crucial details in a related mandate letter.

New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs has contemplated using the notwithstanding clause to enact comparable legislation in the province, allowing authorities to enforce certain individuals into drug treatment programs. However, the introduction of this bill was postponed by the government after the originally scheduled May release.

The notwithstanding clause, known as Section 33 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, grants provincial parliaments the authority to override specific charter sections through legislation. Some legal scholars have raised concerns about the increasing use of the notwithstanding clause by premiers.

Mr. Poilievre hinted at potentially utilizing the clause to combat crime, stating earlier in April that he would leverage all constitutional tools available to him to address criminal activities.

Poilievre Questions Safer Supply

Mr. Poilievre criticized the federal government’s drug policies during the conference, especially the “safer supply” pilot initiatives in Toronto, Vancouver, and Victoria. These projects, running since 2020, aim to provide prescribed opioids as a substitute for the illegal drug market for drug users.

Mr. Poilievre accused the Liberal government of distributing taxpayer-funded opioids, which he believes are circulating among youth. He referenced a memo by federal Addictions Minister Ya’ara Saks exploring “national decriminalization” as part of a broader strategy in combatting the crisis.

While Health Canada granted B.C. an exemption to decriminalize small amounts of illicit drugs in 2023, Ms. Saks denied a similar appeal by Toronto Public Health in May. British Columbia later reversed its decision to recriminalize possession of illicit drugs in public due to public outcry and disorder.

The Epoch Times sought comment from Ms. Saks, but no response was received immediately.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau defended B.C.’s decriminalization policies, emphasizing a public health-focused approach to tackle the overdose crisis rather than punitive measures. He highlighted the importance of a public health strategy for individuals dealing with addiction.

Mr. Poilievre proposed supporting drug prevention programs, ending funding for safe supply projects, and increasing penalties for severe drug trafficking offences. He also mentioned a proposal by Conservative MP Tracy Gray advocating drug treatment as part of the sentence for Canadians incarcerated for drug-related crimes.

“The judge could mandate that while in prison, individuals must maintain abstinence and receive top-notch treatment behind bars,” he explained. “It appears logical to me because they are already in prison and can use that time to overcome their addictions.”

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