Ex-coroner says B.C.’s drug policy overhaul looks like ‘impulsive political decision’ [Video]

British Columbia’s former chief coroner says she’s disappointed by the province’s overhaul of its program that provides prescription alternatives to toxic street drugs, a shift she says “feels like a really impulsive political decision.”

Lisa Lapointe said the move to a “witnessed-only” model, in which people are supervised while consuming their prescription drugs and aren’t allowed to take them home, appears to ignore scientific evidence.

“[Driving] people away from the illicit black market by providing them access to a regulated supply of the drug that they’re dependent on keeps people safe,” said Lapointe, who retired from the chief coroner’s post in February 2024.

“It’s really disturbing that our politicians who we rely on to keep us safe are more likely to respond to ideological arguments than science.”

Health Minister Josie Osborne announced the change on Wednesday, saying it was aimed at preventing the diversion of take-home prescription opioids onto the street.

WATCH | Prescription …