SoVote

Decentralized Democracy

House Bill

Bill C-216

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
June 01, 2022
Health-based Approach to Substance Use Act
  • Bill C-216 is an act that makes changes to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act in Canada. It repeals a provision that currently makes it illegal to possess certain substances. It also introduces the Expungement of Certain Drug-related Convictions Act, which provides a process to erase drug-related convictions from judicial records. Additionally, the bill enacts the National Strategy on Substance Use Act, which requires the Minister of Health to develop a national strategy to address the harm caused by problematic substance use. This includes measures to address the criminalization of substance use, provide access to safe substances, and promote recovery, treatment, and harm reduction services.
  • H1
  • H2
  • H3
  • S1
  • S2
  • S3
  • RA
  • Yea (71)
  • Nay (247)
  • star_border

SteelmanSpren in Favour

  • Steelman argument: The proposed Bill C-216, also known as the Health-based Approach to Substance Use Act, has several key provisions that can be supported with a steelman argument. Firstly, the amendment to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act that repeals the provision making it an offense to possess certain substances is a step towards a more compassionate and pragmatic approach to substance use. By removing criminalization as a response to possession, this amendment acknowledges that addiction and substance use disorders are primarily health issues. It paves the way for a shift from punitive measures to a health-centered approach, where individuals struggling with substance use can access appropriate support and treatment without fear of criminal consequences. Secondly, the Expungement of Certain Drug-related Convictions Act establishes a procedure for expunging certain drug-related convictions and the destruction or removal

SteelmanSpren Against

  • One steelman argument opposing this bill could be that by repealing the provision that makes it an offence to possess certain substances, it may contribute to an increase in drug abuse and related harm. The current legislation serves as a deterrent and allows law enforcement to take action against individuals who possess illegal substances. Removing this provision may send a message that drug possession is acceptable and undermine efforts to combat drug addiction and associated crime. Additionally, without the threat of penalties for drug possession, there may be a decrease in motivation for individuals to seek help for substance abuse and engage in treatment programs. This could have negative consequences for both individuals and society as a whole.
House First Reading
  • June 1, 2022, 2 p.m.
  • In Progress
  • Read