Okanagan mayors are not happy with the recent BC Supreme Court ruling suspending enforcement of Bill 34 which restricts public consumption of illegal substances.
Bill 34 would make it illegal to use drugs near playgrounds, beaches, parks, and sports fields.
B.C. Supreme Court Chief Justice Christopher Hinkson issued an injunction after an application from the Harm Reduction Nurses Association (HRNA).
The mayors of nine Okanagan communities, including 麻豆精选鈥檚 Tom Dyas, have sent a letter to Premier David Eby, Attorney General Niki Sharma, and several ministries.
鈥淲hile we recognize and respect the court鈥檚 independence in its decisions, we urge for the province to continue on the path that balances the needs of broader community health and safety in your consideration of the province鈥檚 next legal steps and to preserve the continued enactment of Bill 34,鈥� the letter states.
Sharma is appealing the decision.
The mayors鈥� letter notes the impacts of the opioid crisis, decriminalization policies, and gaps in the health and mental health care systems are seen in their communities every day.
鈥淔amilies in our communities have a right to enjoy our parks, fields, and beaches without having their young children witnessing open drug use of meth, cocaine, and heroin or worrying about exposure to the detrimental impacts of toxic substances and drug paraphernalia.鈥�
The mayors also take the province to task citing the absence of sufficient treatment centres and harm reduction sites for individuals seeking support for substance addiction.
鈥淭he scales are being tipped in the opposite direction,鈥� the letter states. 鈥淭he case for open public drug use is often made for the purpose of life preservation, however, it is unfair and unreasonable to put that responsibility on the general public to provide the immediate response.鈥�
The letter points out that public spaces are intended for the enjoyment of all, and are supported using resident鈥檚 tax dollars.
鈥淔or a resident, a young family, a senior citizen, a teenager going to work or taking the bus to witness an overdose is traumatizing. It is unfair and unsettling to place that responsibility on the shoulders of our citizens.鈥�
The letter concludes by urging the province to create more treatment, support, and complex care spaces and to preserve health, safety, and social order in communities.
The other mayors included, Mayor Victor Cumming, City of Vernon, Mayor Patrick Van Minsel, District of Peachland, Mayor Blair Ireland, District of Lake Country, Mayor Doug Holmes, District of Summerland, Mayor Gord Milsom, City of West 麻豆精选, Mayor Spencer Coyne, City of Princeton, Mayor Julius Bloomfield, City of Penticton and Mayor Martin Johansen, Town of Oliver.
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