PO21-33

MOTION

August 31, 2021

Board Secretary
Board of Police Commissioners
Regina, Saskatchewan

Dear Madam:

Re: Decriminalization of simple possession

WHEREAS the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police “agree(s) the evidence suggests…
decriminalization for simple possession as an effective way to reduce the public health and
public safety harms associated with substance use”;

WHEREAS the Public Prosecution Service of Canada has issued a directive indicating that
its employees are not to prosecute for simple drug possession except “for the most serious
manifestations of the offence”;

WHEREAS other Canadian municipalities are exploring the decriminalization of simple

possession of prohibited drugs in an attempt to combat the overdose and addictions crisis in
Canada;

WHEREAS cities like Vancouver recognize that substance use is a public health issue,
rather than a criminal justice issue;

WHEREAS the federal government has agreed to discuss drug decriminalization with
Canadian municipalities;

WHEREAS ss. 56 and 56.1 of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act permit application to
the federal government for localized decriminalization of drug possession;

WHEREAS the Regina Board of Police Commissioners has already offered its support for
harm reduction services and supports in the community;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Police Commissioners and Regina Police
Service explore partnerships with the City of Regina, Saskatchewan Health Authority, harm
reduction experts, and appropriate community organizations engaged in harm reduction and
addictions support, to examine the feasibility of decriminalization of simple illicit drug
possession through a community wellness and public health lens;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that:

1. The Chief of Police, in partnership with the City of Regina, prepare a report on the
findings of the partner organizations, including implications and any resulting
recommendations, and that it be considered at a public meeting of the Board in Q1 of
2022;
 2

2. The report be forwarded to Executive Committee and City Council for further
discussion and consideration;

3. The report also include the feasibility and implications of providing a safe drug supply
in Regina to address the addictions crisis and growing number of overdoses in the
community.

Respectfully submitted,

________________
Councillor Andrew Stevens

Commissioner Juliet Bushi