Requiem for the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions: not so much 'love and respect'

A comparison of 2022 and 2024 mandate letters shows how much has changed in the fight against the toxic drug crisis: harm reduction is on life support, involuntary care now a priority.

Jan 24, 2025

∙ Paid

Josie Osborne, left, now has mental health and addictions in her sweeping health mandate, a role held formerly by Jennifer Whiteside as minister of mental health and addictions.

Health Minister Josie Osborne’s January 20 announcement of 26 new publicly-funded addiction treatment and recovery beds across the province – enough to provide support to 250 people a year – marked the end of BC’s seven-year experiment with a stand-alone Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions.

Just four days earlier, all Premier David Eby’s cabinet min…

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