Rising Tensions Around Drug Decriminalization Could Be an NDP Sore Spot in 2024 BC Election

Municipal leaders and citizens across B.C. have raised concerns about public drug use, particularly around children. Others oppose any limits on drug use.

B.C. Premier David Eby speaks during a news conference in Vancouver on Feb. 5, 2023. Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press

British Columbia’s drug decriminalization pilot is set to expire in 2026, but it may end well before that depending on how the provincial general election goes this fall.

While the ruling NDP remains fairly committed to the pilot that began about a year ago, B.C. United Leader Kevin Falcon and B.C. Conservative Leader John Rustad have both vowed to take strong action against the pilot if elected.