VICTORIA — British Columbia officials have sought to rebut claims that drugs prescribed through the province’s safe supply program aimed at curbing overdoses…
Her remarks came after Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre recently told the House of Commons that federal and B.C. government policies are worsening the overdose crisis because prescription hydromorphone “gets sold to kids” by those taking part in the program, with the profits used to buy stronger substances, such as fentanyl.
Henry said monitoring has not detected an increase in opioid overdoses involving children, or new diagnoses of opioid use disorder. Asked to comment, a spokesman for Poilievre shared links to recent media stories, saying they “directly challenge” the “allegations” made by the B.C. officials. Lapointe said it was not a response to any one person or media report, but they’ve been concerned about “increasingly polarized rhetoric that is not informed by evidence.”
Asked about safeguards to ensure prescribed drugs are not being resold, Lapointe said drug trafficking remains a crime.Article contentHenry said officials can’t change policies based on “individual stories or anecdotes.”Still, Henry said she wanted the public to know that officials take concerning reports from clinicians, media and others seriously, and they investigate accordingly.
Officials will review early evidence from the program to consider any adjustments over the coming weeks and months, Henry said.
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