Mixed reviews as B.C. significantly rolls back drug decriminalization [Video]

Plans to significantly roll back British Columbia’s controversial drug decriminalization pilot are being met with mixed reviews from municipal leaders and those working on the frontline of the province’s toxic drug crisis.

On Friday, Premier David Eby announced his NDP government will work directly with Health Canada to amend the rules of the pilot and recriminalize drug use in public spaces including parks, public transit and hospitals.

Law enforcement will be advised not to arrest people for simple possession except in “extraordinary circumstances,” according to a statement from B.C.’s public safety ministry.

The announcement comes after a B.C. Supreme Court justice blocked efforts to legislate similar provisions late last year, citing risks of “irreparable harms” to drug users. The injunction delaying the implementation of the law was upheld by the B.C. Court of Appeal.

The mayors of several B.C. municipalities — including Vancouver, Nanaimo, Maple Ridge and Campbell River — …