A gripping documentary, Canada Is Dying, by Aaron Gunn, sheds light on rising violent crime, drug addiction, and overdose deaths. Once a prosperous society, these issues now plague Canada. Gunn is a filmmaker, and journalist, describing himself as an advocate for taxpayers and common sense. He is also running to become the next Conservative MP for North Island–Powell River. His film raises pressing questions: Has British Columbia’s bold experiment in drug decriminalization helped or hurt its people?
In 2022, British Columbia made history by becoming the first province in Canada to secure an exemption from the federal Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. This groundbreaking policy allowed individuals over 18 to possess up to 2.5 grams of illicit substances without facing criminal charges, fines, or confiscation. The aim? To reduce the stigma around drug use and encourage those struggling with addiction to seek help without fear of a criminal record.
Portugal’s Model: The Inspiration Behind BC
BC’s policy was inspired by Portugal, which pioneered drug decriminalization in 2001 during a heroin crisis that ravaged its population. Portugal paired decriminalization with a comprehensive strategy focused on prevention, harm reduction, treatment, enforcement, and reintegration. The results were stunning:
- HIV infections declined by 90%.
- Prison populations shrank, with the percentage of drug-related inmates falling from 44% in 1999 to 24% in 2013.
- Heroin addiction rates plunged, dropping from 100,000 users to just 25,000 by 2018.
- Treatment access surged, with over 60% more people entering drug programs between 1998 and 2011.
Portugal’s success hinged on robust funding and an unwavering commitment to its multi-faceted approach.
Why Is BC Failing?
Despite its intentions, BC’s results have been starkly different. Overdose deaths have surged. Furthermore, parts of the province, particularly Vancouver, have become synonymous with open drug use, homelessness, and crime.
What went wrong? Critics point to an imbalance in BC’s approach. While harm reduction measures, such as safe injection sites, are heavily funded, prevention, treatment, and reintegration programs are, unfortunately, glaringly underdeveloped. In contrast to Portugal, BC has struggled to build the necessary infrastructure to make decriminalization truly effective.
Aaron Gunn’s documentary argues that this failure stems from a lack of accountability and a refusal to address the root causes of addiction. “Decriminalization without support systems is like giving someone a broken life raft,” Gunn warns in Canada Is Dying.
As Gunn steps into the political arena, his message has struck a chord with many British Columbians. He contends that BC’s current policies have not only failed to address the crisis but have, in fact, exacerbated it. As a result, the province has turned into a cautionary tale.
BC’s attempt to emulate Portugal’s success was well-meaning. However, without a comprehensive strategy, it risks creating a harmful cycle. If immediate steps aren’t taken, BC’s streets—and its people—will continue to suffer the consequences.
The stakes couldn’t be higher, and Aaron Gunn’s call for “common sense” solutions is forcing Canadians to confront an uncomfortable truth: the current approach isn’t working. It’s time for real change or is it already too late?
