BC Court Blocks New Law Against Public Drug Use, Warning of ‘Irreparable Harm’

The Law Courts building, which is home to B.C. Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal, is seen in Vancouver, on Nov. 23, 2023. The Canadian Press/Darryl Dyck

The British Columbia Supreme Court has blocked new provincial laws against public consumption of illegal substances.

The Dec. 29 ruling in favour of the Harm Reduction Nurses Association imposes a temporary injunction until March 31, pending a constitutional challenge, with the judge saying “irreparable harm will be caused” if the laws come into force.