The BC government’s latest effort to address the diversion of taxpayer-funded opioids into the hands of drug dealers falls far short of solving a problem that heavily impacts Prince George and the rest of the province, failing to tackle the root causes of the crisis.
By focusing on new regulations for the Prescribed Alternatives Program (safe supply), the government is addressing symptoms rather than the broader issues: the sources of supply for these opioids and the constant, increasing demand for them.
In an interview with retiring Prince George RCMP superintendent Shaun Wright eight months ago, he commented that nearly 50 per cent of those receiving safe supply were selling or trading it.
Health Minister Josie Osborne announced last week that patients will now be required to consume prescribed opioids like hydromorphone in the presence of a healthcare professional.
While this policy is well-intentioned, it does little to address the underlying problem. Simply tightening controls on how prescriptions are consumed does not tackle the critical issue of how these drugs are reaching illicit markets.
Concerns about the "safe supply" initiative and its role in exacerbating the overdose crisis are valid. Critics of the NDP’s drug policies have been warning for years that facilitating access to prescribed opioids for those suffering from addiction could unintentionally fuel the illicit drug trade.
In response, the government’s attempts to crack down on alleged criminal behaviour by some pharmacists may offer a partial solution, but they fall short. Vague references to “bad actors” are insufficient; these measures lack the specificity needed to address the systemic problems in both the healthcare and criminal sectors.
The real problem lies in the illegal distribution networks, gangs, and organized crime groups that continue to profit from the diversion of prescription opioids.
On Feb. 13, local RCMP seized more than 700 suspected safe supply pharmaceuticals and illicit drugs, including fentanyl and methadone, outside a Prince George pharmacy. While there’s no indication of any connection between the business and drug dealers — no allegations of wrongdoing have been made against any Prince George pharmacists — the incident serves as a reminder of the scale of the problem here and across the province.
BC’s Special Investigative Unit is working with the College of Pharmacists and law enforcement to investigate pharmacy-related misconduct, yet the government’s policies appear to leave the broader issue of illegal opioid supply largely untouched.
How many more lives will be lost due to the failure to dismantle the criminal networks at the heart of this epidemic?
Instead of patching cracks in an already flawed system, the province should redirect its focus toward dismantling the illegal distribution channels and ensure those who are illegally diverting opioids are held accountable.
The recent measures announced by Osborne are insufficient. The province must commit financially to ensuring our justice system can hire the necessary Crown prosecutors and judges to hold dealers accountable. We cannot afford more cases to be dropped due to delays, as happened on Feb. 13.
To reduce the demand for opioids, the province must invest in treatment and recovery programs. It must increase the number of treatment beds and include abstinence-based programs as an option to give people a path out of addiction.
Secure facilities for individuals with serious mental health challenges are desperately needed. Many people with serious mental health issues self-medicate to cope, so these facilities must be part of the solution.
In recent years, the provincial government has provided housing to hundreds of people, helping Prince George address homelessness. Unfortunately, during this time, only a few treatment beds have been added, and none for mental health.
It’s time for the government to take a stronger stance, one that goes beyond a quick mention of problematic pharmacists and requiring healthcare professionals to supervise safe supply consumption. That stronger stance must include the funding necessary to effect real change.
There are solutions to the opioid crisis we face. They require a coordinated effort—and funding—from the province to ensure criminal activity is deterred and treatment facilities are available to help individuals recover, reunite with their families, and rebuild lives they can be proud of.
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