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John Rustad Announces BC Recovers: A Plan to End the Overdose Crisis and Restore Mental Health Services in British Columbia
“The NDP’s failed experiments with decriminalization and ‘safe supply’ have cost us thousands of lives and torn our communities apart. The Conservative Party of BC will end this crisis, save lives, and get British Columbians back on track.” — John Rustad, Leader of the Conservative Party of British Columbia
October 8th, Vancouver, BC: John Rustad, Leader of the Conservative Party of British Columbia, today unveiled an innovative new plan to end the public health crisis caused by drug addiction and mental health neglect under David Eby’s NDP government. Rustad’s BC Recovers Plan focuses on prevention, treatment, recovery, and accountability, emphasizing the urgent need for real solutions to save lives and restore safety to communities across the province.
“British Columbia is eight years into a public health emergency, and under the NDP, it’s gotten catastrophically worse,” said Rustad. “The reckless policies of decriminalization and so-called ‘safe supply’ have failed. More than 14,000 British Columbians have been killed by drugs since the crisis began. We need real leadership to end this nightmare. Similarly, far too many British Columbians suffer in silence from trauma and mental health afflictions but can’t get effective treatment for reasons of cost. That’s unacceptable.”
Ending Decriminalization and “Safe Supply” Experiments
The Conservative Party of BC’s BC Recovers Plan rejects the NDP’s failed ideological approach to addiction. Rustad called for an immediate end to decriminalization and the “safe supply” of drugs, which he argues have worsened the crisis and devastated communities.
“The Eby-Trudeau decriminalization and drug distribution experiment is an unmitigated disaster,” Rustad said. “It’s time to get serious about saving lives. We will end this reckless policy and focus on real recovery—not enabling addiction.”
Prevention: Stopping Addiction Before It Starts
The BC Recovers Plan places a strong emphasis on prevention, with robust drug education programs, an appointed Addictions Specialist to oversee the government’s response, and a renewed focus on cutting off the supply of deadly drugs.
“We refuse to accept addiction as a lifestyle choice,” Rustad stated. “Addiction destroys lives, families, and communities. We will focus on prevention—ensuring that British Columbians, especially our youth, are equipped with the knowledge and support they need to avoid falling into addiction in the first place.”
Holding Harm Reduction Programs Accountable
While acknowledging that harm reduction has a role, Rustad criticized the NDP for making it the sole focus of their approach. He emphasized that harm reduction must be done responsibly, with a focus on recovery.
“The NDP has allowed harm reduction to spiral out of control,” Rustad said. “No more free-for-all drug consumption near schools and playgrounds. Our plan will ensure that every safe consumption site becomes a meaningful gateway to treatment, not a dead-end for people in crisis.”
Treatment and Recovery: Real Help, Not Empty Promises
The BC Recovers Plan promises to overhaul the province’s disjointed and underfunded treatment system, cutting down the 35-day average wait time for treatment and expanding care capacity to ensure British Columbians can get the help they need without financial hardship.
“We will make BC the North American model for drug treatment and recovery,” Rustad declared. “We will end the cruel delays, close the dangerous gaps between detox and care, and build recovery communities that provide professional, compassionate care for as long as it takes to get lives back on track.”
Compassionate Intervention and Safety-First Solutions
To protect the most vulnerable, the BC Recovers Plan includes the introduction of Christian’s Law, named after a young man who tragically lost his life to drugs after his family’s repeated pleas for involuntary treatment were ignored.
“Drug addiction often robs people of their ability to make life-saving decisions. We will not abandon them. Christian’s Law will provide compassionate intervention for those who can’t ask for help themselves,” Rustad announced.
Additionally, Rustad promised to establish specialized housing for individuals with complex needs, such as those with brain injuries caused by drug use, ensuring that they receive the care they require in appropriate environments.
Real Support for Mental Wellness
The BC Recovers Plan goes beyond addiction, committing to comprehensive reforms in mental healthcare. Rustad criticized the NDP for leaving too many British Columbians without access to the timely care they need.
“Too many people are falling through the cracks of our mental healthcare system,” said Rustad. “We will enforce strict wait-time regulations, expand access to mental health support in schools, and build the infrastructure needed to provide world-class care right here in British Columbia.”
Building a Safer and Healthier BC
Rustad concluded by calling on British Columbians to stand with him in demanding real change from their government.
“David Eby and the NDP have had their chance—and they’ve failed,” Rustad said. “It’s time to take back our communities, save lives, and restore hope for all British Columbians. BC Recovers is our commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind and that every British Columbian can live a life of promise, purpose, and dignity.”
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For more information, please contact [email protected].
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