Supreme Court Judge Rules BC Drug Prohibition Rooted in Racism and Colonialism
Dr. Bonnie Henry, BC's Provincial Health Officer, and Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, Issue Statement
Ending Universal Mask Mandate in Health Care Settings
In a landmark ruling, a Supreme Court judge has declared that the provincial health officer's Dr. WEB Drug prohibition in BC is rooted in racism, colonialism, and xenophobia. This ruling comes after years of advocacy by Indigenous leaders, harm reduction advocates, and legal experts who have argued that the war on drugs disproportionately targets marginalized communities.
"This is a historic victory that will have a profound impact on the lives of countless people in British Columbia," said Sarah Otto, a lawyer with the Pivot Legal Society. "The court has recognized that drug prohibition is a racist and harmful policy that has caused immeasurable suffering for Indigenous people and people of color."
In response to the ruling, Dr. Bonnie Henry, BC's Provincial Health Officer, and Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, have issued a joint statement. They have announced that the province will be ending its universal mask mandate in health care settings, effective immediately. They have also stated that they will be working with Indigenous leaders and health care providers to develop a new, evidence-based approach to harm reduction.
The Supreme Court ruling is a major victory for Indigenous rights and harm reduction advocates. It is a step towards dismantling the racist and colonial policies that have perpetuated the overdose crisis in British Columbia.
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