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Editorial: Drug overdose bill will save lives

Private member's bills usually fail, the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act should succeed
Good Samaritan Act
MP Ron McKinnon's private members bill — the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act — that would provide amnesty from being charged with drug possession to those who call in an overdose seems sensible. Port Coquitlam council is behind it.

A harm-reduction approach to addiction is needed to stop overdose  deaths as the problem seems to be increasing in B.C., according to the provincial coroner.

Last year, the BC Coroner's Service logged 465 apparent illicit drug overdose deaths, considered "accidental" or "undetermined" — a 27% jump from the previous year.

It's time we stopped thinking of people who abuse drugs and alcohol as morally bankrupt and consider the misuse of these substances for what they are: a health issue.

Thus, we support rookie Liberal MPs Ron McKinnon's private members bill — the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act — that would provide amnesty from being charged with drug possession to those who call in an overdose.

It's a sensible bill, as Port Coquitlam council agreed, when its unanimously backed McKinnon's proposed legislation.

Let's see more measures like this to save lives.