Federal parties spar over drug consumption sites in B.C. [Video]

Federal parties have pitched different approaches to dealing with the toxic drug crisis in B.C. — particularly when it comes to overdose prevention and supervised consumption sites. 

While the Conservatives have pledged to severely restrict overdose prevention sites, and the Liberals say they’re reviewing their effectiveness, the federal NDP and Greens have come out in support of harm reduction for drug users and services like these.

B.C.’s health minister defends the province’s network of sites aimed at preventing overdoses, while one harm reduction advocate worries the life-saving services are becoming a political football.

In New Westminster on Sunday, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre promised to close overdose prevention sites, which are regulated by the province and often run by non-profit groups. There are 39 such locations across B.C. 

WATCH | Toxic drug crisis a focus for federal leaders: Both Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and Liberal Leader Mark Carney spoke about the …