VICTORIA, B.C. – Statement from interim BC Greens leader, Jeremy Valeriote, MLA for West Vancouver-Sea to Sky on the ninth anniversary of toxic-drug overdoses being declared a public-health emergency in B.C.:
“Since 2016, more than 16,000 British Columbians have died from toxic drug poisonings. This is not normal and it is unacceptable. Drug toxicity is now the leading cause of death for British Columbians aged 10 to 59.”
“If we do not confront this public health emergency with the serious and necessary response it demands, we will continue to lose parents, children, elders, friends, neighbours, and siblings.”
“While the BC Greens recognize the efforts made by the current government, the measures taken so far have not been enough. Instead of seeing real and substantive improvements, the crisis has only deepened, becoming more deadly, more dangerous, and more unpredictable.”
“Today, the BC Greens acknowledged this tragic milestone, as Moms Stop the Harm, Provincial Health Officer Lisa Lapointe, former BC Green MLA Adam Olsen, and Jess Wilder from Doctors for Safer Drug Policy gathered to mark this sombre milestone on the steps of the Legislature.”
“The BC Greens have long advocated for expanded access to safer, regulated alternatives and evidence-based responses to the toxic drug emergency. We remain committed to pushing for urgent, meaningful action and listening to experts to save lives and prevent further tragedy.”
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Media contact
Ryan Hook
Press Secretary
B.C. Green Caucus
+1 250-882-6187 | ryan.hook@leg.bc.ca