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“I am a Canadian, free to speak without fear, free to worship in my own way, free to stand for what I think right, free to oppose what I believe wrong, or free to choose those who shall govern my country. This heritage of freedom I pledge to uphold for myself and all mankind.” ~~ John G. Diefenbaker

Rattée Calls for Immediate Action After Researcher Demands Government Release Suppressed Data

Claire Rattée, MLA for Skeena and Official Opposition Critic for Mental Health, Addictions and Housing Supports, is calling on the NDP government to immediately release critical addiction and public safety data following a direct request from leading BC researcher Dr. Julian Somers.

In a letter sent to the Minister of Health, Dr. Somers, who advised the province for over two decades, is now asking the government to restore access to data his team was ordered to destroy in 2021, so long-delayed research on addiction policy can finally be completed.

This is the moment of truth for this government,” said Rattée. “A respected, independent researcher is asking for the data to be released so British Columbians can finally see the results, and the government now has to decide whether it will allow that transparency.”

“For years, British Columbians were told these policies were grounded in evidence. Now the very expert who helped build that evidence is saying the work was shut down,  and is asking to finish it.”

Dr. Somers’ request comes after his earlier testimony revealed that a unique, decades-long dataset was ordered destroyed just as the province moved ahead with major changes to addiction policy.

Rattée says the issue is no longer about what happened in 2021, but what the government does next. “They cannot undo that decision. But they can decide today whether they will continue to block transparency, or finally, take accountability and allow independent analysis to move forward.”

“This is about whether this government believes in evidence at all,” said Rattee.

Rattée is urging the Minister of Health to respond publicly and without delay. “Release the data. Allow the research. Let the findings come forward, wherever they lead.”

“If the government refuses, then British Columbians will have their answer,” said Rattée. “This is no longer about defending past decisions. It is about whether this government is willing to be honest with the public today and show some accountability.”


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