The federal Liberals faced calls Wednesday to take a national approach to decriminalization amid the mounting death toll of the opioid crisis, even as the House of Commons voted against an NDP bill to allow drugs for personal use countrywide.
After the rejection of the bill was announced, someone in the chamber could be heard crying out, "Shame on you!"
Asked in French whether Ottawa should take a pan-Canadian approach rather than considering individual jurisdictions' requests, Lametti responded that the government should look at that but it's not doing so right now. NDP MP Gord Johns said Wednesday that the federal government has an opportunity to pass his private member's bill, which would amend the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act to decriminalize personal drug possession across Canada.
"I think all the other jurisdictions will be interested in learning from the B.C. experience," said Bennett.Alberta Premier Jason Kenney said Tuesday he has concerns about the federal government's decision to decriminalize possession of small amounts of illegal drugs in B.C.Quebec Premier Francois Legault said Wednesday the province has no plans to pursue decriminalization, adding the government does not think it is necessary.
New Brunswick Health Minister Dorothy Shephard said she was interested to hear what B.C. has done but it was too early to comment. Her province has been working to help people affected by the drug crisis rather than criminalize them, she said. Trudeau has said in years past that the federal government would not pursue decriminalization as an option for tackling the toxic drug and opioid overdose crisis.
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