Court upholds injunction against B.C. law restricting public drug use
B.C.'s highest court has upheld a decision that temporarily blocked a provincial law restricting drug use at playgrounds and other areas, CTV News has learned.
The injunction against Bill 34 was granted in B.C. Supreme Court in December, and the Court of Appeal refused the provincial government's attempt to overturn it on Friday.
"We are disappointed with this decision, and we remain committed to defending this legislation in court against the legal challenge," said Solicitor General Mike Farnworth in an email statement to CTV News.
"The legislation that passed in the legislature last November aims to help people feel safe in community spaces while also encouraging people struggling with addiction to connect with the services and supports they need."
Officials introduced Bill 34 in response to concerns about drug use in certain public spaces, such as playgrounds and water parks, with the legislation both banning consumption in those areas and creating new enforcement powers for police to use against people suspected of having recently used drugs.
The Harm Reduction Nurses Association challenged the law in court, arguing that granting those powers would lead to more people taking drugs alone, putting them at much higher risk of dying of an overdose.
While the Supreme Court granted an injunction against the law, the case has not been decided yet, and the injunction is set to expire at the end of March.
Even with B.C.'s legislation on pause, advocates have noted that carrying drugs at playgrounds and water parks remains illegal in the province – the federal exemption that decriminalized personal drug possession in B.C. does not apply to those areas, as of an amendment from September 2023.
The government said it intends to continue championing Bill 34 in court.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6979388.1722030190!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
Celine Dion delivers stirring comeback performance at Paris Olympics opening ceremony
Against the rainy Paris night sky, Celine Dion staged the comeback of her career with a powerful performance from the Eiffel Tower to open the Olympic Games.
Jasper wildfire: 'Several weeks' before residents can return, premier says
Premier Danielle Smith said Friday afternoon in Hinton while weather conditions are cooler, the Jasper fire is still considered out of control and that Jasper residents can expect to be away from their homes 'for several weeks.'
Missing 3-year-old boy found dead in creek in Mississauga, Ont.: police
A three-year-old boy has been found dead a day after he went missing in a park in Mississauga, Ont., Peel police say.
Irish museum pulls Sinead O'Connor waxwork after just one day due to backlash
An Irish museum will withdraw a waxwork of singer-songwriter Sinéad O'Connor just one day after installing it, following a backlash from her family and the public, it told CNN in a statement on Friday.
Winnipeg senior's account overdrawn for $146,000 water bill
A Winnipeg senior is getting soaked with a six-figure water bill.
FBI says Trump was indeed struck by bullet during assassination attempt
Nearly two weeks after Donald Trump’s near assassination, the FBI confirmed Friday that it was indeed a bullet that struck the former president’s ear, moving to clear up conflicting accounts about what caused the former U.S. president’s injuries after a gunman opened fire at a Pennsylvania rally.
Driver charged after flashing high beams at approaching police
Orillia OPP arrested and charged a driver with impaired driving after flashing their high beams.
Turpel-Lafond won't sue CBC over Cree heritage report that took 'heavy toll': lawyer
The lawyer for a former judge whose claims to be Cree were questioned in a CBC investigation says his client is not considering legal action against the broadcaster after the Law Society of British Columbia this week backed her claims of Indigenous heritage.
Major Canadian bank experiences direct deposit outage on payday
Scotiabank says it has fixed a technical issue that impacted direct deposits on Friday morning.