Edmonton to ask Ottawa for drug decriminalization, despite objections of 2 councillors
A motion to decriminalize "simple personal possession" of illegal drugs in the Alberta capital was approved 11-2 by city councillors Tuesday.
The policy of decriminalization is an attempt to "reduce drug poisoning injuries and deaths." In 2021, 624 people in Edmonton died of opioid overdoses and poisonings.
Mayor Amarjeet Sohi voted for the motion. He called decriminalization an "additional tool" to help people suffering from addictions by reducing the stigma and fear they face.
"These are loved ones. These are people who have families. These are people who are Edmontonians like everyone else," Sohi said.
"They deserve dignity, they deserve to live and they deserve the support from the community, but unfortunately that support is lacking because we don't have all the tools."
City staff will prepare a submission to Health Canada for a section 56(1) exemption to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Toronto, Vancouver and British Columbia have all made similar requests, but none have been approved yet.
Edmonton will also lobby the provincial and federal governments for advancements on "safe supply, safe consumption sites, treatment and supportive housing."
Last week, some harm-reduction advocates and medical professionals urged councillors to move forward on decriminalization, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he'd welcome the city's request.
Councillors Jennifer Rice and Karen Principe voted against the part of the motion seeking decriminalization.
"I do have the concern to do this. And specifically from like a jurisdiction authority perspective and also from a legal perspective," Rice said during the meeting. "We do have federal and provincial governments take initiatives to look after this matter."
"I agree with her. I think this is a little bit redundant," Principe said. She also previously expressed concerns about open drug use in public areas and on transit.
City officials have been directed to work with Alberta Health Services, Alberta Health, Edmonton Police Service, public health and medical experts and Indigenous people, among others, to develop the new drug policies.
With files from CTV News Edmonton's Jeremy Thompson
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Poilievre writes to GG calling for House recall, confidence vote after Singh declares he's ready to bring Liberals down
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has written to Gov. Gen. Mary Simon, imploring her to 'use your authority to inform the prime minister that he must' recall the House of Commons so a non-confidence vote can be held. This move comes in light of NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh publishing a letter stating his caucus 'will vote to bring this government down' sometime in 2025.
School custodian stages surprise for Kitchener, Ont. students ahead of holiday break
He’s no Elf on the Shelf, but maybe closer to Ward of the Board.
Kelly Clarkson's subtle yet satisfying message to anyone single this Christmas
The singer and daytime-talk show host released a fireside video to accompany her 2021 holiday album, “When Christmas Comes Around” that she dubbed, “When Christmas Comes Around…Again.
Judge sentences Quebecer convicted of triple murder who shows 'no remorse'
A Quebecer convicted in a triple murder on Montreal's South Shore has been sentenced to life in prison without chance of parole for 20 years in the second-degree death of Synthia Bussieres.
At least 2 dead, 60 hurt after car drives into German Christmas market in suspected attack
A car plowed into a busy outdoor Christmas market in the eastern German city of Magdeburg on Friday, killing at least two people and injuring at least 60 others in what authorities suspect was an attack.
16-year-old German exchange student dies after North Vancouver crash
A 16-year-old high school student from Germany who was hit by a Jeep in North Vancouver, B.C., last weekend has died in hospital, authorities confirmed.
Poilievre to Trump: 'Canada will never be the 51st state'
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre is responding to U.S. president-elect Donald Trump’s ongoing suggestions that Canada become the 51st state, saying it will 'never happen.'
Canadiens executive says he has 'no concern' about members of the front office travelling to Russia
Montreal executive vice president of hockey operations Jeff Gorton said he has 'no concern' about members of the Canadiens' front office travelling to Russia with the country’s war in Ukraine ongoing.
Speeding drivers get holiday surprise from 'Officer Grinch'
Drivers in the Florida Keys who exceed the speed limit in school zones may run into a well-known gloomy green creature and get a surprising 'gift.'