Mr. Chair, as I indicated, the government has a broad-based approach, focused on public education and awareness, harm reduction, treatment, research, and law enforcement to interdict illegal and toxic supply.
The section 56 exemption granted to enable decriminalization and simple possession in British Columbia, at the province's request, is part of a broader comprehensive policy, as we noted.
This is an exemption that is granted for three years. Following a pre-implementation period in British Columbia, it will take effect at the end of January 2023 and will be closely monitored and evaluated to inform future policy in consideration in other jurisdictions in the country, and at the national level.
It is a start, and a project that B.C. has proposed for three years, subject to a rigorous monitoring, evaluation and research component of work.