Tag: overdose crisis

No Countrywide Decriminalization to Follow as BC Exempts Possession of Small Amounts of Illegal Drugs: Justice Minister

Following British Columbia’s announcement to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of illicit drugs for personal use, federal Justice Minister David Lametti said currently there won’t be a “larger discussion” on decriminalization across the country. Lametti made the remarks just before Parliament is expected to vote on an NDP private member’s bill on a nationwide decriminalization…


BC Exempts Small Amounts of Illicit Drug Possession From Criminal Charges for 3 Years Amid Overdose Crisis

British Columbians will not be arrested or charged for possession of small amounts of illicit drugs for personal use for three years, as the government seeks to address an overdose crisis in the province. B.C. has been struggling with a public health crisis in relation to overdose deaths and related harms since 2016, with close…


B.C. Records Deadliest February yet for Illicit Drug Overdose Deaths

VICTORIA—Another record death toll for overdoses in British Columbia shows this isn’t just a big-city problem and it must be addressed in every community in the province, Premier John Horgan said Wednesday. The BC Coroners Service reported the province’s deadliest February yet for illicit drug overdoses with 155 lives lost last month. It’s the 11th…


Nevada Announces $45 Million Settlement With McKinsey Over Opioids

LAS VEGAS—Nevada has struck a $45 million settlement deal with McKinsey & Company for the global consulting firm’s role in advising opioid makers how to sell more prescription painkillers amid a national overdose crisis. The western state reached the deal after sitting out a multi-state settlement with McKinsey announced in February. The hard bargaining has…