Peace River North MLA calls decriminalization changes political posturing as election looms

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Peace River North MLA Dan Davies says the recently announced changes to B.C.’s drug decriminalization initiative aren’t enough.

The province announced Friday that it’s amending the rules of its program, re-criminalizing drug use in public spaces like hospitals, parks and public transit.

“They have not reversed decriminalization,” says MLA Dan Davies, who has argued against the initiative in the past. 

“They’ve put in a few restrictions, but that’s not what we [the BC United Party] are calling for.”

Davies says his party has seen decriminalization fail, leading to higher death rates and increases in crime and disorder.

“All this is is a political back-pedaling with an election coming,” Davies says. “David Eby [the Premier of B.C.] knows how bad this is for him.”

If the NDP wins the election, Davies “guarantees” the changes to decriminalization will be reversed. 

“The NDP government and David Eby have no intention of getting rid of decriminalization,” Davies says.

“Just this morning [April 29th], we brought forward a motion in the legislature to end decriminalization and have a one-hour debate on it, very similar to what Pierre Poilievre is doing in Ottawa. The NDP have blocked that this morning, and would not allow us to debate it and have a vote on it.”

When the decision was announced Friday, Eby said the changes were being made in the interest of keeping B.C. residents safe. 

“While we are caring and compassionate for those struggling with addiction, we do not accept street disorder that makes communities feel unsafe,” he said.

“We’re taking action to make sure police have the tools they need to ensure safe and comfortable communities for everyone as we expand treatment options so people can stay alive and get better.”

Other politicians, like Mayor Lilia Hansen of Fort St. John, have praised the province’s decision saying public drug use was causing concerns for residents and left RCMP officers unable to prevent it.

Energeticcity.ca contacted Hansen for a full statement on the rollback. Hansen didn’t respond in time for publication.