Lisa Lapointe, the former chief coroner of British Columbia, has expressed disappointment regarding the provincial government's recent overhaul of its safer supply program which provides prescription alternatives to toxic street drugs. Lapointe criticized the shift to a "witnessed-only" model, claiming that it seems like an "impulsive political decision" that dismisses scientific evidence in favor of ideological arguments. She emphasized that regulated access to the substances that individuals are dependent on is essential for maintaining safety and preventing resorting to the illicit black market.
Health Minister Josie Osborne announced the controversial changes, which aim to curb the diversion of take-home prescription opioids onto the street. This policy adjustment comes amidst ongoing scrutiny surrounding the NDP government led by Premier David Eby, related to allegations of opioid diversion from the safer supply program. Despite previous statements from officials, including the RCMP, asserting that there was no evidence of "widespread" diversion, a leaked briefing suggested that a "significant portion" of opioids prescribed in B.C. were indeed being diverted.
Opposition leader John Rustad of the B.C. Conservatives has framed the policy shift as a triumph for his party, claiming that the NDP has reversed its stand on what he referred to as a "failed radical left-wing safe supply policy." In contrast, Lapointe raised critical questions regarding the information that formed the basis for the government's decision, urging officials to publicly share the evidence backing the witnessed-consumption-only strategy.
According to Lapointe, this overhaul could severely restrict access to prescription alternatives, placing undue burdens on individuals who need repeated doses throughout the day. DJ Larkin, the executive director of the Canadian Drug Policy Coalition, supported Lapointe's concerns, pointing out that requiring individuals to return multiple times daily for their medication could render the program ineffective, particularly for those living in remote regions like Northern Health.
Leslie McBain, a representative of the advocacy group Moms Stop the Harm, was also taken aback by the government’s decision, describing it as politically motivated. She highlighted that individuals who have found stability through the program may revert to the black market for easier access to drugs, risking an increase in toxic overdoses and fatalities.
The new policy aligns with recommendations from Addiction Medicine Canada, which advocates for a supervised model due to anecdotal reports of misusing prescribed opioids. Dr. Robert Cooper, a member of this group, stated that abuses of prescribed medications have prompted the shift, with concerns that patients are either misusing their medications or diverting them for illicit activities.
However, Larkin contested the notion that diversion was a new issue, arguing that it has always existed within prescription practices and urging policymakers to understand the broader context, including the frightening state of the current drug supply that might compel individuals to share their prescriptions with others to help keep loved ones safe.
Dr. Ryan Herriot, an addictions medicine physician, expressed anxiety regarding the politicization of care for individuals with substance-use disorders, warning that the government's approach could set a concerning precedent for future medical policies. Angie Gaddy, spokesperson for the BC Pharmacy Association, indicated that while the association is awaiting further details, it supports the government's decision as part of addressing prescribed alternatives' diversion.
Since the declaration of a public health emergency regarding the toxic drug crisis in April 2016, over 16,000 individuals have lost their lives in British Columbia. The community remains vigilant and concerned as policies surrounding drug use and addiction continue to evolve amid ongoing public health challenges.
