OTTAWA - The federal government is taking its battle over a safe drug injection site in Vancouver to the country's highest court.
Justice Minister Rob Nicholson announced Tuesday the feds will appeal a British Columbia court ruling at the Supreme Court.
“This case raises important questions regarding the doctrine of interjurisdictional immunity and the division of powers between the federal and provincial governments.
There was a dissenting opinion in the B.C. Court of Appeal, and the Government of Canada believes it is important that the Supreme Court of Canada be asked to rule on this matter," he said. "We recognize that injection drug users need assistance. This is why our National Anti-Drug strategy focuses on prevention and access to treatment for those with drug dependencies. At the same time, we aim at getting tough on drug dealers and producers who threaten the safety of our children and communities. Our message is clear: if you sell or produce drugs, you will face jail time."
Nicholson said the government has allocated $230 million over five years under the National Anti-Drug Strategy to prevent illicit drug use, treat illicit drug dependency and combat the production and distribution of illicit drugs.
kathleen.harris@sunmedia.ca
