Federal addictions minister meets with B.C. counterpart as backlash continues on decriminalization

The federal Minister for Mental Health and Addictions will meet with her British Columbia counterpart as well as with law enforcement officials next week to discuss fallout from the province’s drug policies, including decriminalization and safer supply.Both governments have been battered by criticism after a Vancouver police official explained to a parliamentary committee earlier this week how prescribed opioids meant to be a safer alternative for drug users are instead being sold on the street and that officers’ hands are tied when responding to complaints of open drug use.