Councillors, commissioners discuss drug decriminalization

Should Saskatoon decriminalize small amounts of illicit drugs?

That was the main question up for discussion Wednesday, during a special joint meeting of the city’s Governance and Priorities Committee and the Saskatoon Board of Police Commissioners at Saskatoon’s City Hall.

There are still a number concerns around decriminalizing simple possession of small amounts of illicit drugs in Saskatoon.

A balance of public health and public safety must be considered, according to Mayor Charlie Clark.

Decriminalization advocates have said the measure offers an opportunity to support people struggling with addiction by treating the issue with a health-focused approach rather than punishment.

Board of Police Commissioners Vice Chair Kearney Healy said there is a desire to nurture people who are struggling and suffering because of substance abuse and addiction, a situation Healy said could be improved by access to health and social services rather than a police response.

However, Healy noted concerns that gangs and others profiting off the sale and trafficking of illegal substances could benefit if decriminalization is implemented.

Coun. Hilary Gough said decriminalization is a policy issue beyond the realm of policing, and the city now faces a choice about whose policy it is to address.

Further, she said concerns still remain about the robustness of Saskatoon’s social and health services, and whether they are enough to handle the increase in demand they could see as a result of decriminalization.

Saskatoon Police Chief Troy Cooper said it will be important to watch as British Columbia begins to navigate and gather data, after that province recently decriminalized possession of some illegal drugs for personal use.

While it was just a discussion item on Wednesday’s agenda, the issue is set to come up again in the fall after Cooper submits a report that will provide updates based on observations of B.C.’s decriminalization process and information on how Saskatoon police are already using alternate approaches to handle simple possession.