Honourable senators, I rise today — as a concerned B.C. senator — on the one-year anniversary of the Liberal-NDP government’s decriminalization of dangerous drugs. This reckless experiment has resulted in drug overdose deaths in B.C. hitting a record high of 2,511 — almost 7 a day. Drugs are now the leading cause of death in B.C., causing more fatalities than crime, accidents and disease combined.

Despite the 300% increase in drug overdose deaths in the province, the B.C. NDP government has contracted the British Columbia Centre on Substance Use to enable clinicians to prescribe dangerous fentanyl to minors under the guise of “safe supply.” As if that wasn’t disturbing enough, no informed consent is required from parents before children are supplied with these drugs.

While some provinces set a minimum age — typically between 14 years old and 16 years old — for when minors can make such decisions, British Columbia has no minimum age, and relies instead on a fluid idea of capability.

Fentanyl is 100 times more potent than morphine and heroin, and a dose of as little as 3 milligrams can be fatal. Yet, it has been approved for distribution to minors with precious few safeguards.

According to findings at the University of British Columbia and the B.C. coroner’s office, drug overdoses are now the leading cause of death among B.C. youth aged 10 to 18 years old.

In a June 19 report, the B.C. Coroners Service stated that the number of drug overdose deaths among youth increased notably since 2016, and the introduction of the opioid fentanyl to the unregulated drug supply has been the main driver.

As a mother and former educator of young minds, I am deeply concerned about the path that Canada is travelling on. I fear for the safety of our children and youth and the future of our communities as its government is actively facilitating the consumption of dangerous drugs for vulnerable Canadians, including youth.

Conservatives will not give up on Canadians suffering from addiction. Recovery from addiction is possible.