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On April 26, Premier David Eby announced his plans to recriminalize substance use in BC. This is a deadly step backward. We are disturbed to see this shift in policy that will keep people in cycles of criminalization, and without question lead to more people dying because they will use alone and in non-visible spaces.

Criminalization also does not direct or support people toward treatment, should they seek it.

This is a deadly choice.

Write to Premier Eby to tell him and the provincial government that you object to policy that will kill. Tell the BC Government that decriminalization and safe supply are the path forward to saving lives and supporting people who use drugs.

Tell Eby that you unequivocally do not agree or support this change.

This letter writing campaign is now closed. As of July 2024, a total of 237 letters were sent to Premier David Eby. Below are the contents of the original letter:

Dear Premier Eby,

I’m writing to tell you that I strongly object to your announcement on April 26 2024 that you will be recriminalizing substance use in BC. Recriminalization will kill more British Columbians. So many years into a public health emergency, having lost over 10,000 of our neighbours, this is the wrong choice to make.. BC needs decriminalization, it needs safe supply, and it needs its leaders like you to stand up for evidence-based drug policy.

I am concerned that placing substance use back in to the hands of law enforcement will only deepen existing stigma and keep people trapped in a cycle of criminalization for which they can never escape. I am concerned that people will use alone and in hidden areas, and that they will die. I am concerned that people who use drugs will not have any of their needs met through this policy and that it will actively create more harm.

I strongly call on you to reconsider this change, and to stand up for the safety and wellbeing of people who use drugs in BC.

Sincerely,

[Name]