In a passionate address to the Canadian Police Association (CPA) today, Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre delivered a scathing critique of Trudeau Government’s drug policy, focusing particularly on the impacts of decriminalization on public safety and the rising rates of drug-related deaths. Poilievre’s speech, delivered at the CPA conference in Ottawa, highlighted the urgent need for a re-evaluation of Canada’s approach to drug control.
Poilievre expressed gratitude to law enforcement officers for their dedication to keeping communities safe. He commended their unwavering commitment in the face of immense challenges, acknowledging the difficult and often dangerous nature of their work.
Drawing attention to the detrimental effects of the current drug’s policies, Poilievre emphasized the surge in drug-related deaths since the decriminalization of hard drugs, such as crack, heroin, and methamphetamine. He pointed to Vancouver, British Columbia, as a stark example, where the number of annual drug deaths has more than tripled since Trudeau took office.
“The number of annual drug deaths has more than tripled in Vancouver since Trudeau’s policies were most enthusiastically embraced,” Poilievre stated. “Six British Columbians die every single day of an overdose.”
Poilievre attributed this alarming increase in drug-related fatalities to the government’s approach of decriminalization, tax subsidies for narcotics, and lax enforcement measures. He criticized the government’s failure to address the root causes of addiction and its reliance on ineffective policies that have exacerbated the crisis.
Furthermore, Poilievre condemned Trudeau’s refusal to entertain proposals for re-criminalizing hard drugs, citing the recent plea from British Columbia Premier David Eby for federal support in reinstating criminal penalties for drug possession. Despite Eby’s request, Trudeau government has reportedly declined to grant approval, leaving provinces grappling with the consequences of ineffective drug policies.
“Trudeau won’t grant his request,” Poilievre exclaimed. “So everyone in BC thinks the drugs are now recriminalized because David Eby held a press conference, but he needs federal approval to reinstate the criminal code that Trudeau exempted the province from over a year ago.”
Poilievre’s speech outlined a comprehensive plan to address the drug crisis, advocating for a return to common sense law and order policies. He proposed the re-criminalization of hard drugs in all settings, alongside significant investments in drug treatment and recovery services. Poilievre also pledged to repeal the federal government’s catch-and-release bail system, which he argued has contributed to rampant recidivism among offenders.
“We will repeal the catch-and-release bail system and institute a rule that anyone with a long rap sheet of violent offenses or high-value theft will automatically be ineligible for bail,” Poilievre declared.
Throughout his address, Poilievre emphasized the need for decisive action to combat the drug epidemic and restore safety to Canadian communities. He criticized Trudeau’s handling of the crisis, portraying it as a failure of leadership that has left law enforcement officers and citizens alike vulnerable to the consequences of misguided policies.
As Poilievre concluded his speech, he reiterated his commitment to implementing common sense solutions and promised to prioritize the safety and well-being of Canadians if elected as Prime Minister.