Current:Home > Contact-usCourt in Canadian province blocks new laws against public use of illegal substances-InfoLens
Court in Canadian province blocks new laws against public use of illegal substances
View Date:2024-12-23 18:27:41
VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — The Supreme Court of the Canadian province of British Columbia on Friday blocked new provincial laws against public consumption of illegal substances.
The ruling imposes a temporary injunction until March 31, with the judge saying “irreparable harm will be caused” if the laws come into force.
The Restricting Public Consumption of Illegal Substances Act was passed by the B.C. provincial legislature in November, allowing fines and imprisonment for people who refuse to comply with police orders not to consume drugs within six meters (20 feet) of all building entrances and bus stops; within 15 meters (49 feet) of playgrounds, spray and wading pools, and skate parks; and in parks, beaches and sports fields.
The act was introduced following concerns from some municipalities and attempts by several city councils to impose extra limits on open air drug use.
The Harm Reduction Nurses Association argued the act, which has yet to come into effect, would violate the Canadian charter in various ways if enforced.
But Chief Justice Christopher Hinkson said in his ruling that it was unnecessary to turn to those arguments, since the “balance of convenience″ and the risk of irreparable harm weighed in the plaintiff’s favor.
Lawyer Caitlin Shane for the nurses association said the injunction, pending a constitutional challenge, shows “substance use cannot be legislated without scrutiny.”
Mike Farnworth, the province’s public safety minister and solicitor general, said the province is reviewing the decision and assessing its next move.
“The law in question prevents the use of drugs in places that are frequented by children and families,” Farnworth said in a statement. “While we respect the decision of the court, we are concerned that this decision temporarily prevents the province from regulating where hard drugs are used, something every other province does, every day.”
British Columbia is in the second year of a three-year decriminalization experiment, which allows drug users aged 18 and older to carry up to 2.5 grams of opioids including heroin, morphine and fentanyl, as well as crack and powder cocaine, methamphetamine and ecstasy for personal use.
The pilot project is a first of its kind in Canada and it aims to treat illicit drug use and addiction as a health issue, not a criminal one that stigmatizes people and prevents them from seeking help.
The province declared an ongoing public health emergency due to rising overdose deaths in 2016. Since then more than 13,500 people have fatally overdosed in the province.
Brad West, one of the mayors who voiced concerns about public drug use, denounced the decision.
“The court is, once again, demonstrating how out of touch they are,” said West, mayor of Port Coquitlam, located about 30 kilometers (19 miles) east of Vancouver. “The rules were very modest, providing just a small restriction on drug use in public places, especially where children are present.”
“If this restriction doesn’t stand, then we have truly entered the wild west of unrestricted drug use, anywhere and everywhere,” he said.
veryGood! (1693)
Related
- NFL Week 11 picks straight up and against spread: Will Bills hand Chiefs first loss of season?
- US, allies in talks on naval task force to protect shipping in Red Sea after Houthi attacks
- Jason Kelce's Wife Kylie Shows Subtle Support for Taylor Swift Over Joe Alwyn Rumors
- Minnesota prosecutors won’t charge officers in the death of a man who drowned after fleeing police
- Patricia Heaton criticizes media, 'extremists' she says 'fear-mongered' in 2024 election
- Cyclone Michaung flooding inundates Chennai airport in India as cars are swept down streets
- International Ice Hockey Federation makes neck guards mandatory after Adam Johnson death
- Cyclone Michaung flooding inundates Chennai airport in India as cars are swept down streets
- 'I was in total shock': Woman wins $1 million after forgetting lotto ticket in her purse
- No, that 90% off sale is not legit. Here's how to spot scams and protect your cash
Ranking
- Gold is suddenly not so glittery after Trump’s White House victory
- The holidays are here. So is record credit card debt. How 6 Americans are coping.
- 2023 NFL MVP odds: Brock Purdy moves into three-way tie for lead after Week 13
- NFL official injured in Saints vs. Lions game suffered fractured fibula, to have surgery
- Medical King recalls 222,000 adult bed assistance rails after one reported death
- Court ‘justice stations’ open in New Mexico, Navajo Nation, allowing more remote appearances
- White House warns Congress on Ukraine aid: We are out of money — and nearly out of time
- Kelsey Grammer's BBC interview cut short after Donald Trump remarks, host claims
Recommendation
-
School workers accused of giving special needs student with digestive issue hot Takis, other abuse
-
Christmas shopping hangover no more: Build a holiday budget to avoid credit card debt
-
'Supernatural,' 'Doom Patrol' actor Mark Sheppard shares he had 'six massive heart attacks'
-
Munich Airport suspends all flights on Tuesday morning due to freezing rain
-
Pedro Pascal's Sister Lux Pascal Debuts Daring Slit on Red Carpet at Gladiator II Premiere
-
Niger’s junta revokes key security agreements with EU and turns to Russia for defense partnership
-
UN warns that 2 boats adrift in the Andaman Sea with 400 Rohingya aboard desperately need rescue
-
Coach Outlet’s Holiday Gift Guide Has the Perfect Gifts for Everyone on Your Nice List