Trudeau to discuss overdose crisis with first responders in Vancouver

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will meet with first responders and health-care workers in Vancouver today to discuss the illicit drug overdose crisis that has claimed 922 lives in B.C. last year.

Following a tour of Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt near Victoria on Thursday, Trudeau said his government is taking the crisis seriously and monitoring the situation closely.

In his last visit to B.C. in December, Trudeau said he met with people on Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside who raised concerns about expanding hours for safe consumption sites.

He said the recently announced $10 million of federal funds for the province is aimed at improving the response to the crisis.

While legislation to legalize marijuana is planned to be introduced before the summer, Trudeau said it’s the only illegal drug under review.

He said regulating the sale of marijuana will protect young people and take money away from criminal gangs, but the government is drawing the line at pot when it comes to legalizing illicit drugs.

Article source: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/trudeau-vancouver-visit-1.4008186?cmp=rss