What students and families should know about illicit substances and decriminalization

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While Health Canada has granted B.C. an exemption from the federal Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, it is important for students and families to understand the reasons for this exemption and its restrictions related to schools and youth.

As part of the government’s ongoing efforts to address the drug crisis, the aim of the three-year exemption is to remove the shame and social stigma associated with substance use, while supporting people in accessing important health and social services. Decriminalization also removes criminal penalties for possession of small amounts of illicit substances for personal use.

However, the exemption comes with a number of exclusions that impact schools and youth. Here’s what students and parents should know about what decriminalization means for the district:

• This exemption does not apply to licensed child care properties, K-12 school properties and school-sanctioned events. Criminal penalties remain for possession of illegal substances, regardless of amount, while on child care, elementary and secondary properties, and at school-sanctioned events, even if they are not on school property.
• This exemption also does not apply to youth 17 and younger. Anyone under the age of 18, whether on school property or not, are not permitted to possess illicit substances in any amount and will continue to be subject to the federal Youth Criminal Justice Act.
• Decriminalization is not the same as legalization. While people who use illicit substances will not be prosecuted for drug use, decriminalized drugs will not be sold in stores and are not legal to manufacture. Drug trafficking and similar drug-related offences involving illegal substances in any amount will remain illegal.

The district and the government each offer resources and information on substance use that students, parents and families can use to further discussions about illicit drugs and learn about the available supports for related issues.

District Resources

The district’s Substance Use Liaison (SUL) program supports youth who are affected by substance use in any way through individual supports, classroom messaging and staff training. The program’s mission is to provide consistent, relevant drug and alcohol services through the district, supporting and fostering healthy decision-making and wellness for students.

Liaisons address issues of substance use through conversational best practices to provide education, prevention tools and early intervention. The program encourages positive change, the development of self-assessment skills, and bridges students and their families to specialized sources. Team members are also available to support caregivers with resources to better understand the  substance use issues.

Students and parents can request support or ask questions by emailing SUL@surreyschools.ca. More information is available on the SUL website and the SUL brochure.

Government Resources

The Ministry of Education and Child Care’s erase website – standing for Expect Respect and A Safe Education – provides students and their families with information and resources to talk with youth about substance use, including information regarding the latest exemption.

For more information, see Health Canada’s Exemption page and the B.C. Government’s Decriminalization page.