Edmonton exploring decriminalization of minor drug offences; police not in support

Edmonton city councilors and public health committee members are getting their first look at a report on possibly decriminalizing drugs, in an effort to reduce the number of drug poisoning deaths in the city.

Edmonton city councillors and public health committee members are getting their first look at a report on possibly decriminalizing some minor drugs.

The city’s goal is to reduce the number of drug poisoning deaths in the city, which claimed a record number of lives in Edmonton in 2021.

Coun. Michael Janz is optimistic the committee will go forward with the motion.

“I think there is a wide appetite on council to see any options explored and everything on the table,” said Janz.


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This comes after data was released revealing 2021 was the deadliest year on record for opioid poisoning deaths in Alberta, with 1,758 deaths reported. There were 1,321 drug poisoning deaths in the province in 2020.

“These are preventable deaths and it is incredibly frustrating,” said Janz. “And we know what medical health and public-health experts have told us, that whether we are looking at safe supply, decriminalization, harm reduction, all of these different pieces, they are critical to saving lives.”

For the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act exemption to be granted, it must be for one of three reasons: medical purposes, scientific purposes, or in the public interest.

However, when the motion was first introduced in January, those who enforce the law say they do not support the motion at this time, saying there aren’t enough resources to treat addictions.

“We are rarely arresting people for simple possession,” said Michael Elliott, president of the Edmonton Police Association. “So while decriminalization may sound appropriate, and it may work from a small municipal side, it is not going to resolve or fix the issues here at all.

“And while I understand what they are trying to achieve, but without the proper programs, it is going to fail.”

Despite lack of support from police, the city council committee will meet to discuss the possibility of moving forward with this motion on April 11.

“My goal will be figuring out how we move forward, and seek solutions to a very complex problem,” said Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi.

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