Thank you.
Yes, of course, we are on the right track. I said that earlier. What is concerning is the desire among some to go backwards, which would be a monumental mistake. Just think where we would be if those repressive policies had remained in place after 2015: The crisis would be even more out of control than it is now.
I do want to make something clear. I'm not suggesting that decriminalization is the way to fix the problem of the illegal drug market. That's not the purpose of decriminalization. The purpose of decriminalization is to give people access to services. Dr. Tanguay and Dr. Sereda mentioned this: We are here to provide services and save lives. All the law enforcement, anti-money laundering and border control measures are essential, but the important thing today is to recognize that neither the decriminalization effort in British Columbia nor the introduction of diversion measures will, on its own, break the hold that criminal groups and the black market have.
To do that, we have to go further. That is why I encouraged you to consider the issue in a thoughtful way. It's the right thing to do. I know the word “legalization” is scary to a lot of people, but we did it for cannabis, and the recent report card for those first five years is very positive. Why not think about taking that next step for certain drugs or even all drugs?
I just got back from a conference in Amsterdam, where the city's mayor brought together representatives from big cities around the world to discuss their objectives with respect to organized crime and the illegal drug trade. Organized crime plays a major role in the illegal market in Canada. Let there be no doubt. Perhaps the situation is less violent in Europe, but criminal groups are in control. Something has to be done, but we must keep moving in the direction that was taken in 2015. All those measures must stay in place.