Region eyes endorsing decriminalization of illicit drugs

The Region of Waterloo could soon be adding its voice to a growing chorus of calls to change the way we think about and respond to the ongoing opioid crisis.

Regional council is set to vote Wednesday on a report from the Waterloo Region Integrated Drugs Strategy (WRIDS).

The report lays out four options, the recommended choice being the decriminalization of simple possession along with expanded access to health interventions. Those include things like safer supply programs and upping funding for prevention and treatment programs.

“We really do have to migrate toward a public health approach to drug addiction as opposed to a criminal justice approach, which is what we've been predominantly doing for years,” said Tom Galloway, regional councillor, Kitchener.

“It's a public health problem and we need a public health solution,” Galloway said. “We're not going to arrest our way or charge our way out of drug problems.”

That's essentially the same opinion expressed nearly two years ago by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police.

It's also a move other big Canadian cities like Vancouver have been advocating for years, and a direction the federal government has been pushed toward as recently as February by the New Democrats.

Galloway says it's time Waterloo Region to officially join those calls.

“I think there's no question at all: we're ready for it here,” he said. “I think we've been fairly progressive in terms of the CTS (consumption and treatment services), in terms of safe supply, and I think we've got the various NGOs and non-profits that are willing to take this up very quickly.”

NDP Gord Johns also provided the following statement to CityNews 570 on his bill (C-216) and the importance of decriminalization.

“Canadians are dying in record numbers and it’s clear we need federal leadership to address this public health crisis. Despite advice from its own Expert Task Force on Substance Use, the Liberal government continues to criminalize people who use drugs while failing to make adequate investments in needed supports. 

My private member’s bill would ensure Canada has a comprehensive approach to the toxic drug crisis by decriminalizing personal drug possession, providing record expungement, ensuring low-barrier access to safe supply, and expanding access to harm reduction, treatment and recovery services. These steps are consistent with what public health experts are saying is needed to help save Canadians’ lives.

Next week members from all parties will vote on this much-needed legislation. The government has a choice to make: they can keep going on their current trajectory and allow thousands of Canadians to die, or they can choose another path forward that gets people the help they desperately need.”