Why the political avoidance regarding drug decriminalization?

Addiction, the opioid crisis, and how it relates to voters seem to be the discussion points last week with our political parties. Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole, presented his grand $350-million plan to increase recovery-oriented supports for 1,000 brand new addiction treatment beds and more than 50 new treatment facilities and centres. He also vowed to not to reduce harm-reduction supports, which have been the mainstay for the federal Liberals. Indeed, the Liberal government has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in supporting addiction treatment through a multi-pronged approach of harm reduction, safe consumption, and addiction treatment with access to pharmacotherapy. There is much polarization in the field of addiction treatment. Most see harm reduction and recovery as being on the same continuum of care, with the presence of both being necessary to support clients with no one-size-fits-all solution. Yet many academics, medical professionals, advocates, and social groups see it as polarizing opposites. This often plays into party politics with the Conservatives focusing on “traditional values of recovery and addiction treatment,” and the Liberals focusing on “tolerant and open-minded values of harm reduction.” One party focuses on expanding recovery support, while the other expands harm reduction, yet neither party openly discusses the establishment and provincial expansion of decriminalization. This is interesting as it is one area supporters of both addiction recovery and harm reduction most agree upon. The hesitancy to approach the issue was seen in our last federal election in 2019, with then-Conservative leader Andrew Scheer warning voters that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau would move to decriminalize hard drugs, and Trudeau rebuffing that decriminalization was a “non-starter.” Fast forward to 2021, and not much has changed, with both parties being rather hush on their policies, although the Liberals did introduce Bill C-22, which relaxed mandatory minimum penalties for some offences but left the playing field open for courts to still provide penalties if they choose. Unlike 2019, where public opinion did not support decriminalization, in 2021, public opinion is firmly in support of it, with the majority of Canadians (nearly 60 per cent) supporting decriminalization of illicit substance use possession. It makes sense on many levels. Decriminalization has worked in other jurisdictions. In Portugal, we have seen that decriminalization not only saved their justice system extraordinary amounts of money, but also reduced the overall rates of illicit substance use. Decriminalization follows the principle that instead of penalizing individuals for substance use disorders, a medical diagnosis, we instead provide access to wellness supports including housing, income support, and various forms of addiction programming. We don’t criminalize any other medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or depression, and as such we should not criminalize substance use disorders. Indeed, criminalization has harmed many, especially the racialized and Indigenous populations, with criminal policies often unfairly targeting them. It is anticipated that if decriminalization occurs, both parties would differ on the type of wellness support required. In all likelihood, the Conservatives would ask for mandatory treatment in addiction facilities instead of jail time. The Liberals would, however, not create mandatory treatment requirements and instead offer non-coerced access to addiction treatment as well as access to harm reduction supports. Both parties would likely facilitate improved access to mental health treatment and social services. While their approaches to decriminalization may be different, both parties can indeed agree that decriminalization is necessary and a common value, with a strong emphasis placed on health and social based approaches. The only parties that have picked up on this unifying theme are the New Democratic Party and the Green Party, who both support decriminalization openly and with no catch, no restrictions, and a focus on redefining our criminal justice system. The country is undoubtedly moving towards decriminalization. The Federation of Canadian Municipalities has called for this, with Vancouver being their shining star by requesting a federal exemption to start local decriminalization. The Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police has also stated that decriminalization is key to managing the opioid pandemic. Even health professionals with the Canadian Medical Association have asked for addiction to not be criminalized but treated like any other medical diagnosis. It's time for both O’Toole and Trudeau to align their policies. The world is much different than in 2019. It is time both parties make bold moves that make lasting differences to our society, bold moves to fundamentally change our approach to substances and substance use disorders. By doing this, our society creates a dialogue of compassion in a field often overwhelmingly filled with pain. Dr. S. Monty Ghosh is an addiction physician and assistant professor at the University of Alberta and University of Calgary. The Hill Times

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Why the political avoidance regarding drug decriminalization?

The Conservatives and Liberals have miscalculated public perceptions on substance use decriminalization.

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