The B.C. government says it will not renew its drug decriminalization pilot, acknowledging the program has not produced the results it hoped for.

Health Minister Josie Osborne says the toxic-drug crisis continues to take lives and devastate families and communities across the province, calling it a deeply complex public-health emergency with no single solution.

The pilot program, launched in 2023, decriminalized the possession of small amounts of certain illicit drugs.

The goal was to reduce stigma and encourage people struggling with addiction to seek help without fear of criminal charges.

Osborne says while the program was introduced with the support of advocates, service providers, police, and members of the legislative assembly, it has not met expectations.

As a result, the Province will not seek an extension of the federal exemption that allowed the pilot to continue.

She stressed the decision does not mean the Province is abandoning a health-based approach to addiction.

Osborne says the government continues to believe substance use is a health issue, not a criminal justice issue, and remains focused on strengthening services that help people access timely and appropriate care.

The Province says it is continuing to build a more comprehensive mental-health and addictions care system, including prevention, treatment, recovery, harm reduction, and after-care.

At the same time, the Province says it is supporting police in focusing enforcement efforts on those who produce and traffic toxic drugs and who contribute to violence and crime in communities.

The BC RCMP says the end of the exemption will allow officers to fully enforce the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, while still taking a measured approach.

To view the Minister’s statement on status of the decriminalization pilot program, visit Government of British Columbia.