Decrim: How We Decriminalized Drugs in British Columbia

A timely, insider account of an important and controversial step in British Columbia’s strategic effort to respond to the overdose crisis.

Canada is in the middle of an opioid crisis. Since the province of British Columbia declared a public health emergency in 2016, more than 9,400 people have died of drug poisoning in BC—an average of six people a day—with nearly 1,500 apparent opioid-related deaths in the first eight months of 2022.

In Decrim, Kennedy Stewart, mayor of Vancouver from 2018 to 2022, recounts historic progress in addressing this crisis. January 31, 2023, is the beginning of a three-year trial period for decriminalizing the possession of small amounts of hard drugs in British Columbia, a ground-breaking change in Canada’s approach to drug use. Kennedy Stewart has written Decrim to tell the story of how this remarkable policy change came about and the enormous challenges faced by those who fought for it—including its contribution to him losing his bid for mayoral re-election. In Decrim, Stewart lays out how ending the “war on drugs” and recognizing the overdose crisis as a public health issue will help reduce stigma related to substance use, increase access to health services, and decrease harms related to criminalization in British Columbia.

“Kennedy Stewart used his platform in politics to end prohibition and advance a public health approach to the opioid crisis. In the face of a devastating challenge to his community and country, he showed leadership with his work to follow the evidence to save lives.”

“When many politicians were moving back to the “War on Drugs” mentality, Kennedy Stewart was looking for solutions that could help all citizens in Vancouver. Before even being elected he reached out to me and other health advocates in the Downtown East side to see how we could build a coalition. That thinking is what has allowed the City of Vancouver to continue to lead on the illicit drug issue.”

“It’s hard to believe that just 20 years ago the idea of decriminalization of drugs was a non-starter. Kennedy Stewart’s clear leadership and advocacy at all levels of government, showed that we can save lives and end the assault on people who use drugs. A humane and rights-based approach is possible.”

“While other politicians make cheap points demonizing people who use drugs, Kennedy Stewart courageously led and advocated for a compassionate, evidence-based approach to substance use. I hope his successful campaign to decriminalize drugs is a historic starting point in emerging from the costly, ineffective, and deadly war on drugs.”