Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

BC's New Opioid Model Faces Backlash Amid Crisis

2/21/2025

25 2

Summary

Story summary

British Columbia's Health Minister Josie Osborne has unveiled a controversial shift to a witnessed consumption model for the province's safer supply program, mandating that patients consume prescribed opioids under supervision. Critics warn this move could hinder access for users, driving them back to perilous street drugs as the opioid crisis continues to escalate, claiming over 16,000 lives since 2016.

1 of 1

Story summary

British Columbia's Health Minister Josie Osborne has unveiled a controversial shift to a witnessed consumption model for the province's safer supply program, mandating that patients consume prescribed opioids under supervision. Critics warn this move could hinder access for users, driving them back to perilous street drugs as the opioid crisis continues to escalate, claiming over 16,000 lives since 2016.