Update on MP Gord Johns's Private Members Bill C-216

RELATING TO THE OVERDOSE CRISIS

Bill C-216 was read for a second time and debated in the House of Commons on March 2, 2022.

The bill includes provisions that would, if passed:
- decriminalize personal possession
- provide for record expungement
- ensure low-barrier access to safe supply
- and expand access to harm reduction, treatment and recovery services.

During the debate in the House, Liberal MP Brendan Hanley said: “In addition to all that the government has done to address this crisis in recent years, we need an approach that will consider a broader approach to the issue, including decriminalization. These are critical discussions we must have, which is why I am happy to speak to my colleague’s bill, support it and help it get to committee. It is the direction we need to move in, and I look forward to working on it with members of the House.”

Green MP Mike Morris announced that he and the member for Saanich—Gulf Islands would support the bill “ for the simple reason that this bill, if passed, would save lives.”

Bloc MP Luc Thériault said that he supports decriminalization but believes “ Implementation of a pan-Canadian strategy should… precede decriminalization to ensure that the federal government or other levels of government do not shirk their responsibility by arguing that those people are no longer in the legal system.”

Conservative MP Laila Goodridge argued that “Decriminalizing without having the appropriate access to treatment and supports in place is akin to putting the cart before the horse.”

NDP MP Don Davies pointed out that the government “cannot say they treat drug use and addiction as a health issue and leave it criminalized on the federal books to continue to kill people.”

MSTH is asking members to send a letter of support for Bill C-216 to their MP. You can get additional information and a draft letter at https://www.momsstoptheharm.com/actions/2022/2/14/support-the-bill-to-decriminalize-people-who-use-drugs

You can read the full debate on Bill C-216 by going to the following link (look for number 1745 on the left):
https://www.ourcommons.ca/DocumentViewer/en/house/latest/hansard

You can also get information about the status of and steps attached this bill at https://www.parl.ca/legisinfo/en/bill/44-1/c-216