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Three years ago, the Provincial BC NDP government and the Federal Liberal government announced a three‑year pilot to decriminalize adult possession (up to 2.5g) of certain illicit drugs in British Columbia. While trafficking and production remained illegal, this approach was heavily criticized by law enforcement, community leaders, and local stakeholders from the start.

The idea behind decriminalization was to reduce stigma so people would be more likely to seek support without fear of a criminal charge. In practice, residents and businesses have grappled with a surge in public consumption and disorder. Parents in a few communities have told me that they are now forced to methodically scan parks and fields for used syringes before allowing their kids to play. It is the same for many small business owners who must clean up drug paraphernalia around their premises every single morning.

Concerned citizens who were unhappy with a known “drug house” or an unauthorized tent city in their neighbourhood were often told that enforcement on simple possession was limited under the 2.5g exemption. Now, after years of vigorous debate and only weeks prior to the pilot expiration date of January 31, 2026, the NDP Government has finally told the public it will not seek an extension.

Given the short notice, neither the provincial nor federal governments are saying how these ongoing problems will be addressed following their 180-degree turn. These issues of disorder will not disappear overnight. Like an elastic band that’s been stretched, communities don’t snap back to their original shape without some authority indicating clear rules and devoting the necessary resources to enforce them.

Aside from an expanded phone‑line service, there has been very little communication on what resources will be provided to local communities to deal with the aftermath. As of today, there is no publicly posted, detailed operational guidance for police or prosecutors about how simple possession will be handled after January 31. Since the announcement, there have also been no announcements of new treatment bed capacity or new financial resources for our Crown prosecutors.

This all comes nine months after the federal Liberal government first promised to fix the “catch‑and‑release” bail laws that put dangerous offenders right back onto our streets despite lengthy criminal records. On a local CBC radio interview, a former Crown prosecutor indicated that the government's latest legislative attempts, like Bill C-14, would not substantially address the issue.

As the Official Conservative Opposition, we believe a plan is required. Here is a quick overview:

Jail Not Bail: We will end "catch-and-release" by ensuring that repeat violent offenders stay behind bars, rather than being released back into the community hours after an arrest.

Treatment Over Consumption: Our plan will ban drug injection sites within 500 metres of schools, playgrounds, and parks to restore safety to our neighborhoods.

Mandatory Recovery: Our plan gives judges the power to mandate drug treatment as an alternative to jail for non‑violent offences. When someone is too sick to choose recovery on their own, we must provide an alternative where appropriate.

Building Capacity: We will invest in the recovery-oriented infrastructure Canadians desperately need—including 50,000 new treatment spaces—so that help is available the moment someone asks for it. A combined federal- provincial approach would be a stark contrast to what we have now.

People on the front lines tell me there is often only a brief window to act when someone asks for help. If a detox bed or treatment spot isn’t available right away, the cycle continues. Making matters worse, resuscitated overdoses can leave brain injuries that complicate decision‑making and recovery. The longer someone remains or worsens in that state, the more intensive—and costly—the intervention becomes.

Instead of re‑engaging earlier with tough enforcement against the illegal supply and timely clinical care, both levels of government are stepping back. To the public, this looks like “catch‑and‑release”—for drug producers and the most vulnerable alike—and it rightly feels like a shrug to our communities that bear the brunt. We must hold these governments accountable and demand changes that clean up our communities and provide safer streets for everyone.

My question this week: Do you believe the federal and provincial governments are serious about tackling addiction and crime in our communities?

Please join in on the lively discussion on my Facebook Page. You can also reach me at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or toll‑free at 1‑800‑665‑8711.

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Dan Albas is the Member of Parliament for the riding of Okanagan Lake West - South Kelowna, Shadow Minister for Transport and the Vice Chair of the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, Dan's riding includes the communities of Kelowna (Mission, South Kelowna & East Kelowna within specific boundaries), West Kelowna, Peachland, Summerland.
You can reach Dan by calling 1-800-665-8711, emailing [email protected] or please visit: DanAlbasMP.ca
Our mailing address is:
Dan Albas MP
101-3731 Old Okanagan Hwy
West Kelowna, British Columbia V4T 0G7
Canada

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