Decriminalization in B.C.: Province seeks ban on drug use in ‘all public spaces’ [Video]

The B.C. NDP has asked the federal government to recriminalize public drug use, marking a major shift in the province’s approach to addressing the deadly overdose crisis.

Officials requested the update to B.C.’s exemption to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act on Friday, seeking increased power for police to crack down on drug consumption almost anywhere in public – including in parks and on buses.

Speaking at a news conference, Premier David Eby stressed that the goal of the province’s decriminalization pilot – to reduce stigma around drug use and encourage people with substance abuse issues to seek help – remains a priority for his government, despite the dramatically dialed back approach.

“Our goal was to save lives,” Eby said. “But that compassion, that concern for people who are struggling does not mean anything goes.”

The premier said he has already discussed the request with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and …