B.C. mayors back Vancouver's bid to decriminalize drugs, urge federal support

Seven BC mayors have added their support for Vancouver's application to decriminalize small amounts of illicit drugs.

They say it's time Ottawa stepped up.

The mayors say the ongoing opioid crisis also has harsh effects in their cities and decriminalization could encourage users to seek help.

Vancouver has applied to Health Canada for decriminalization of simple possession of 15 different drugs, and has the support of a broad coalition, including Vancouver police, the province, chief coroner and provincial health officer.

The mayors of Victoria, Nanaimo, Saanich, Kamloops, New Westminster, Burnaby and Port Coquitlam say the federal government must also support Vancouver's application.