Public Health Statutes (Drug Decriminalization Pilot Extension) Amendment Act
British Columbia's Bill 12 (Public Health Statutes Drug Decriminalization Pilot Extension Amendment Act) keeps BC's three-year decriminalization pilot running. The pilot began January 31, 2023 under a federal Health Canada exemption from the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act section 56 (S.C. 1996, c. 19), permitting personal possession of up to 2.5 grams of opioids, cocaine, methamphetamine, and MDMA. Following 2024 complaints about public drug-use in parks, hospitals, and around schools, the BC NDP narrowed the exemption to private homes and shelters in May 2024 (BC and federal joint announcement May 7, 2024). Bill 12 adjusts the framework for the final-year evaluation period before the pilot's January 2026 expiry decision.
Status
Quick learn
Amends BC public-health statutes to keep the province's drug-decriminalization pilot running, with revisions in response to community feedback on public consumption. BC NDP and BC Conservatives are split on whether to continue or discontinue the pilot.
Issues this bill touches
- Drug Policy & Harm Reduction
Original BC drug-decriminalization pilot extension.
Legislative history
- Introduced
Tabled in the originating chamber by the sponsor.
View source - Third reading
Final debate and vote in the originating chamber.
View source
Sponsored by
David EbyBC NDPOfficial source
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