BC Conservatives Say Notwithstanding Clause Should Be Used to Overrule Court Decision on Drug Use

British Columbia should use the notwithstanding clause to implement legislation to curtail drug use in public places like playgrounds and beaches, Conservative Party of B.C. leader John Rustad says. Mr. Rustad made the comments after a Dec. 29 decision by the British Columbia Supreme Court paused the enforcement of such government legislation in response to a lawsuit brought by the Harm Reduction Nurses Association. The nurses’ association argued the laws would violate the Canadian charter in various ways if enforced. The temporary injunction will last until March 31, with Chief Justice Christopher Hinkson saying the laws would cause “irreparable harm” if they come into force due to a lack of “supervised consumption services, indoor locations to consume drugs, and housing.”...