Election Call Slows Details of BC’s Promised Safe Supply Expansion

published on September 25, 2020 by Moira Wyton in The Tyee

B.C.’s snap election has shut down the flow of information on the government’s promised dramatic expansion of safe drug supply programs to combat the overdose crisis.

The new programs, hailed as life-saving by some advocates, were announced Sept. 16 after three of the deadliest months for overdoses in the province’s history. Four days later, Premier John Horgan called the election.

But the election means details on the directive aimed at curbing a surge in overdose deaths won’t come until after the Oct. 24 election at the earliest.

“During the election period, all Government of B.C. communications are limited to health and public safety information, as well as statutory requirements,” wrote a spokesperson for the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions in an email to The Tyee…