Edmonton moves forward on decriminalizing 'simple personal possession' of drugs

Edmonton city councillors took a big step Monday in the movement to decriminalize illegal drug possession, an attempt to "reduce drug poisoning injuries and deaths."

Edmonton city councillors took a big step Monday in the movement to decriminalize illegal drug possession, an attempt to "reduce drug poisoning injuries and deaths."

The city's Community and Public Services Committee voted 5-0 to develop a decriminalization strategy so the federal government can be lobbied for an exemption, something several other big cities are doing.

Councillors Tim Cartmell, Michael Janz, Karen Tang and Jo-Anne Wright all voted for the motion, as did Mayor Amarjeet Sohi, who brought it forward. The plan still needs to be approved by city council, as a whole.

"I think it was about four years ago that I attended a funeral of someone who passed because of overdose," Sohi said during the meeting.

"But it was very difficult for the family to acknowledge and admit (the cause of death) because of the stigma attached to it…The stigma was attached because of shame. The stigma was attached because of criminalization."

Sohi believes decriminalization needs to be one part of Edmonton's policy going forward.

His motion also advocates for progress on "safe supply, safe consumption sites, treatment and supportive housing," including lobbying the province and federal governments for funding.