“It is time for the government to take a stand for the well-being of its citizens. We call on Premier David Eby to act swiftly and decisively in removing Dr. Henry from her position. The future of our province depends on the actions we take today to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all” - John Rustad, Leader of the Conservative Party of British Columbia

July 11, Surrey, BC: The Conservative Party of British Columbia, led by John Rustad, and MLA Elenore Sturko, representing Surrey South and the candidate for Surrey-Cloverdale, are strongly condemning Dr. Bonnie Henry for her recent endorsement of selling dangerous drugs, like methamphetamine, in government-operated stores. The party is calling for her immediate dismissal from her position.

“Dr. Bonnie Henry’s support for selling meth and other harmful drugs in government stores is not only shocking but also incredibly irresponsible,” said John Rustad, Leader of the Conservative Party of British Columbia. “This approach is not a solution to our drug crisis; it is an endorsement of dangerous substances that have destroyed countless lives and families. Our communities deserve better.”

Elenore Sturko, Conservative Party MLA for Surrey South and candidate for Surrey-Cloverdale, echoed Rustad’s sentiments. “As someone who has worked on the front lines of public safety, I find Dr. Henry’s stance deeply troubling. We should be focused on providing support and treatment for those struggling with addiction, not making it easier for them to access these deadly substances. This policy will only exacerbate the crisis we are facing in our communities. Premier Eby claims he’s not in favour of hard drug legalization, now's the time for him to show he’s not lying.”

She added, “the recent proposal to offer a range of substances, including methamphetamine, in government-run or private retail spaces is a deeply flawed and dangerous model. The idea that hard drugs could be sold in various formats and compositions, with government-determined pricing, is reckless. This plan, while claiming to support individual agency and independence from medicalized rules, overlooks the severe public health risks and the potential for increased substance abuse. This government would  effectively be using taxpayer dollars to subsidize drug trafficking and there’s no oversight to where the drugs go after they’re sold.”

“Dr. Henry’s plan to create a system where dangerous drugs can be sold with minimal oversight is appalling,” Rustad continued. “The proposed model, which lacks formal connections to additional health or social supports and merely provides harm reduction resources like naloxone, fails to address the root causes of addiction and places our communities at greater risk.”

The Conservative Party of British Columbia is urging the government to reconsider Dr. Henry’s position and to take immediate steps to reverse any plans to implement the sale of such dangerous drugs in government stores. The party believes that British Columbians deserve leaders who prioritize the health and safety of their communities over radical and dangerous policies.

“It is time for the government to take a stand for the well-being of its citizens,” Rustad added. “We call on Premier David Eby to act swiftly and decisively in removing Dr. Henry from her position. The future of our province depends on the actions we take today to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all.”

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