Council retracts decriminalization of controlled substances resolution from NCLGA

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — City council has decided to pause its plans to advocate against the decriminalization of controlled substances to a municipalities association while it conducts more research.

At a council meeting in March, council approved eight resolutions to be submitted to the North Central Local Government Association (NCLGA)’s annual general meeting (AGM). 

One of these concerned the decriminalization of controlled substances, advocating for the provincial government to revisit this policy, assess its effectiveness and consider “alternative approaches that better address substance abuse and enhance community safety.”

However, during the May 26th regular meeting of the City of Fort St. John council, the resolution was removed pending further research. 

Council confirmed during the May meeting it still cared about the topic, but felt the need to understand the subject better.  

Councillor Jim Lequiere stated during the May 28th episode of Council Corner that the resolution was still one council believed in, but the city was willing to wait and see how new legislative changes would impact the issue.

When asked by Energeticcity.ca to pinpoint which changes are being investigated, the city did not supply any specific legislation. 

Lequiere explained the resolution may be resubmitted in the future.