BC's strategy was doomed to fail because, like nearly every government program in BC and Canada, there is a deep reluctance to increase spending and taxation to create actual capacity and capability in government.

The BC Government thought they could just decriminalize a few drugs and maybe put in some ‘targeted' funding here and there that would eventually shift to the private or charity sector.

It was never going to work. This was not a failure of the Portugal method in BC, it was an unwillingness to actually implement everything Portugal did to have success.

"Portugal’s drug strategy paired decriminalization with a massive, coordinated investment in treatment, housing, and social support, whereas B.C.’s decriminalization came without enough detox beds, long-term treatment, supportive housing, mental health services or follow-up care, leaving major gaps in its response. “Portugal had politicians and thought leaders who recognized the issue and that the response wasn’t just to decriminalize, but also to provide increased support,” said Pauly.”

https://albernivalleynews.com/2026/04/10/uvic-researchers-discuss-why-b-c-couldnt-replicate-portugals-drug-strategy/

#BCPoli #Drugs #Decriminilization #Canada #Homelessness #CanPoli #CdnPoli