B.C. is taking action to make illicit drug use illegal in all public spaces, including inside hospitals, on transit and in parks.

People facing complex mental-health, addiction and housing challenges will benefit from better access to housing with the wraparound supports they need.

Young people experiencing homelessness in Vancouver and struggling with mental-health and addictions challenges will get better access to care and supports to help them find a pathway to recovery and a better life. 

Minister Jennifer Whiteside, B.C. Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, has issued the following statement on the one-year anniversary of decriminalization in British Columbia:

More young adults with complex mental-health and substance-use challenges can now access housing services and tailored supports in Richmond.

Young people in crisis will be better supported in hospital and when they return home through two new response teams that co-ordinate care for youth experiencing mental-health or substance-use crises in the Fraser Health region.