B.C. Conservative leader reveals plans to address toxic drug crisis ahead of debate

B.C. Conservative Leader John Rustad has outlined his party's approach to tackling the province's toxic drug crisis, focusing on reducing wait times for voluntary treatment, implementing a virtual program to connect individuals with addiction specialists, and establishing "regional recovery communities" offering 12-month live-in treatment programs.

Rustad emphasized that his government would ensure overdose prevention sites meet "the highest standards" and would not hesitate to shut them down if they fall short. He also promised that, under a Conservative government, there would be "no financial barriers to detox and treatment."

However, Rustad did not provide specifics on the timeline or costs of these plans, stating that the party would release its full platform "within the coming days."

The announcement was made at Riverview Hospital in Coquitlam, a former provincial psychiatric institution that operated for over 100 years before closing in 2012. While the site is currently subject to an Indigenous land claim, Rustad expressed his party’s desire to redevelop it into a "leading centre of excellence in Canada for mental health care and addictions recovery," including secure treatment options.

Rustad’s platform unveiling comes just before the televised debate between leaders of British Columbia’s three major political parties. The debate, featuring Rustad, NDP Leader David Eby, and Green Party Leader Sonia Furstenau, will be broadcast across all major TV networks tonight. It will provide a platform for voters to compare the leaders’ policies ahead of the October 19 provincial election.

Moderated by Angus Reid Institute president Shachi Kurl, the debate will air from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on CBC, Global B.C., BC1, Citytv, CTV Vancouver, and Omni B.C., with translations in Punjabi, Cantonese, and Mandarin.

At an event in Vancouver on Monday, Rustad predicted "more of the same" from Eby during the debate, accusing him of focusing on personal attacks against Conservatives rather than policy discussions. Eby, in contrast, said his message would be clear: an NDP vote represents a focus on affordability, health care, and safer communities, unlike Rustad's proposals, which he claimed align with the interests of billionaires.

Over the weekend, a sign posted by Lululemon co-founder Chip Wilson outside his $81-million home, calling the NDP "communists," was vandalized. The sign has since been replaced, now accusing Eby of giving away money he has already taken from voters.

In response, Rustad issued a statement on social media affirming that a B.C. Conservative government would not offer special tax breaks for billionaires.