Hydromorphone, a type of opioid, is pictured at a managed opioid program in Ottawa, Ont.
An Opposition critic is calling for an inquiry into B.C.'s safer supply drug program after it emerged that the province is investigating the diversion of a "significant portion" of opioids prescribed by doctors and pharmacists.Posted: Feb 05, 2025 7:02 PM EST | Last Updated: 41 minutes ago
The leaked briefing that was distributed by the Opposition B.C. Conservatives also says the ministry has been conducting an investigation, with next steps to include targeting of "specific pharmacies" by law enforcement agencies. "There are indications here that this is a program that is exploiting the most vulnerable people in our province by enabling a system whereby people with severe addictions are being used for profit by some bad actors in pharmacies, housing and health care," she told CBC News.
But she says the government would stay focused on the investigation, as taking action on the issue was a priority for the government. "We want to make sure that we're helping people because, at the heart of this, this really is about people," she added. "It's about keeping people alive, ensuring that we're able to connect them to the supports that they need."Osborne said the investigation was started before she was appointed to her post after the 2024 election and stressed that it was a "very small proportion" of pharmacies who were alleged to have taken part in the diversion.
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