In special meeting, Saskatoon city leaders discuss potential merits and perils of drug decriminalization
During a special meeting, a city committee discussed the idea of decriminalizing simple possession of illicit drugs in Saskatoon.
Drug decriminalization allows adults to possess small amounts of drugs without facing criminal charges, though the substances remain illegal.
Last month, British Columbia became the first place in Canada to ensure drug users will not be charged for carrying up to 2.5 grams of illicit drugs.
Wednesday’s special Governance and Priorities Committee meeting was held jointly with the Board of Police Commissioners.
“With the opioid crisis hitting (Canada) very hard over the last number of years, we’re looking for solutions,” Saskatoon Police Service Chief Troy Cooper said.
In 2021, Saskatchewan reported a record number of overdose deaths.
Cooper said, “criminal enforcement was not reducing the impact of the opioid crisis.”
The chief said decriminalization could reduce the harm to people living with addictions, but decriminalization would need to work in conjunction with treatment services.
A special meeting of Saskatoon's governance committee was held on June 22, 2022 to discuss drug decriminalization.
The meeting referenced a report written by two University of Saskatchewan professors.
The report recommended Saskatoon work towards “de jure decriminalization” — to no longer making drug possession an offence.
In the meantime, the professors suggested police implement “de facto decriminalization” where police would choose not to lay charges for drug possession.
Patrick Nogier, the superintendent of the police’s criminal investigations division, worried de jure decriminalization would favour criminals.
Nogier referenced a recent investigation, involving a suspect found with illegal firearms, fentanyl, meth and cocaine.
“We wouldn't be charging that individual if there was a formal de jure decriminalization policy,” the superintendent said in the meeting.
“And that becomes problematic when you're trying to enforce public safety concerns.”
In a statement to CTV News, the province said “it is not considering any decision to criminally exempt substances like methamphetamine and cocaine.”
“It is unknown what potential long-term effects that decriminalizing illicit drugs with have with regards to public safety,” the province said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian gov't proposes new foreign influence registry as part of wide-spanning new bill
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is proposing a suite of new measures and law changes aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada, amid extensive scrutiny over past meddling attempts and an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Boeing Starliner capsule's first crewed test flight postponed
The long-awaited first crewed test flight of Boeing's new Starliner space capsule was called off for at least 24 hours over a technical issue that launch teams were unable to resolve in time for the planned Monday night lift-off.
Teacher charged in historical sexual assault of Calgary teenage girl
Calgary police have charged a teacher with the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
East-end Ottawa family dealing with massive rat infestation
Residents in Ottawa’s Elmridge Gardens complex are dealing with a rat infestation that just won’t go away. Now, after doing everything they can to try to fix the issue, they are pleading with the city to step in and help.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Newfoundland and Labrador latest province to tighten rules on Airbnbs
Newfoundland and Labrador is the latest jurisdiction to bring in stricter rules for short-term rentals, with a coming set of regulations that will force operators to register with the provincial government.