Abbotsford overhauls bylaw, clears way for services preventing overdose, disease

ABBOTSFORD, B.C. – Councillors in Abbotsford, B.C., have voted to repeal a bylaw that banned needle exchanges, methadone clinics and other harm reduction techniques in the Fraser Valley community.

The Monday night vote amending the 2005 bylaw is hailed by Pivot Legal Society lawyer Scott Bernstein.

He represents three people in a civil suit and human rights complaint against Abbotsford for denial of services that could prevent overdoses and diseases such as hepatitis.

Bernstein says now it’s up to the Health Authority to implement programs already proposed for Abbotsford in a 2012 harm reduction service plan.

Abbotsford Mayor Bruce Banman says the bylaw revision allows his city to work with health care officials on programs such as a needle exchange.

He predicts not all Abbotsford residents will be pleased , but he believes the city will be safer once harm reduction programs are underway.

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