Leaked Report Reveals BC’s Safe Supply Drugs Being Diverted, Renewing Calls for Inquiry
A leaked government document has raised serious concerns over BC’s taxpayer-funded safe supply program, revealing that a significant portion of prescribed opioids are being diverted into the illegal drug trade. The findings have prompted calls for a public inquiry and intensified political debate over the province’s approach to the opioid crisis.
Leaked Report Sparks Controversy
The internal briefing document, prepared by a Ministry of Health investigative unit and obtained by the BC Conservative Caucus, confirms that many opioids prescribed under the safe supply program are not being used by their intended recipients. According to the presentation, "prescribed alternatives are trafficked provincially, nationally, and internationally."
Health Minister Josie Osborne confirmed the authenticity of the document but expressed concern that its leak could compromise an ongoing investigation. "I want to acknowledge that we know that this is happening. These allegations are here. There’s absolutely no denial of it. There’s no diminishing of it, and there should be no acceptance of it. That’s why we’re taking the actions that we are," Osborne said.
The presentation revealed that between 2022 and 2024, over 22 million opioid doses—including hydromorphone and oxycodone—were prescribed to approximately 5,000 clients. The report also flagged that more than 60 pharmacies are under investigation for allegedly offering incentives to healthcare providers and housing staff to increase the number of safe supply prescriptions dispensed at their locations.
Political Fallout and Opposition Response
BC Conservative MLA Elenore Sturko criticized Premier David Eby’s handling of the province’s safe supply program, arguing that British Columbia has been identified as a source of illegal opioid trafficking by the US government. She pointed to the recent 30-day reprieve from US tariffs, linking it to concerns over border security and drug trafficking.
BC Conservative Leader John Rustad criticized the government’s handling of the program, pointing to Bonnie Henry’s past calls for expanded safe supply and drug legalization as evidence of failed policy.
Government Response and Broader Implications
While the BC NDP government has acknowledged the diversion issue, critics argue it previously downplayed concerns raised by law enforcement and public health experts. In 2023, then-addictions minister Jennifer Whiteside stated that there was "no evidence" of widespread safe supply diversion. However, recent police investigations in Nanaimo, Prince George, and Kelowna have uncovered large quantities of diverted hydromorphone alongside cash and weapons, raising further alarm.
The situation has also drawn national and international scrutiny. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith previously urged BC to rein in its safe supply prescriptions, warning that diverted drugs were being trafficked into Alberta. Meanwhile, Vancouver Police Department Deputy Chief Fiona Wilson testified before federal MPs that half of the opioid pills seized by police in major drug raids had originated from BC’s safe supply program.
The leaked report also suggests that some pharmacies may be exploiting the system, with dispensing fees reaching $11,000 per patient annually. Investigators allege that some pharmacies have used these revenues to offer kickbacks to doctors and health-care workers in an effort to increase prescription volumes.
Calls for Reform and Accountability
The controversy has intensified calls for reforms to BC’s harm reduction policies. While the BC NDP government has rolled back portions of its drug decriminalization pilot, critics say the province has not taken sufficient action to curb safe supply diversion.
Premier David Eby has previously stated that he is open to exploring chemical tracers in government-supplied opioids to track diversion patterns. However, according to the leaked report, there has been no progress on implementing this measure since it was proposed in early 2024.
Sturko criticized the BC NDP government for expanding the program despite warnings about diversion, pointing to Bonnie Henry’s past support for broadening access to regulated substances.
The leaked Ministry of Health report has intensified scrutiny on BC’s safe supply program, adding pressure on the government to respond. With diversion now confirmed, opposition parties are pushing for a public inquiry, while the NDP faces tough questions on oversight and enforcement.
