Thank you.
Minister, I know you've been preoccupied with the COVID pandemic, but of course we have a raging opioid overdose crisis in this country at the same time. Here in Vancouver in British Columbia, we're on track to have the worst record in history of the number of people dying from overdoses.
This week Vancouver Mayor Kennedy Stewart unveiled his plan to implement a fully health-focused approach to substance use by decriminalizing simple possession of all drugs through a federal health exemption. I note that this plan is backed by B.C. Premier John Horgan, provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry, Vancouver Coastal Health chief medical health officer Dr. Patricia Daly and even the Vancouver Police Department itself.
Minister, will you grant this health exemption requested by Mayor Stewart in light of the comprehensive support for this approach here in the city of Vancouver?