During Premier John Horgan's weekly COVID-19 address on Thursday, July 16th, 2020, the subject turned to drug use. In the month of June alone, British Columbia saw a staggering 175 overdose deaths.

During his comments, the Premier had some unfortunate wording, stating: "We have an insidious virus that affects anyone at any time and we have an opioid crisis that involves people using drugs. Those are choices, initially, and then they become dependencies."

There are many risk factors that are associated with drug use, including a previous history and/or family history of substance abuse, unemployment/financial hardships, thrill-seeking behaviour, mental illness such as depression or anxiety, and stress (which is something that has certainly been exacerbated for many individuals by the COVID-19 crisis.) What's NOT on the list of risk factors, however, is "choosing to become a drug addict."

Premier Horgan's comments were regressive in nature and lacked basic empathy. As such, he owes all British Columbians an apology - especially those who do or have suffered from drug addiction, and those who have lost loved ones to drug abuse.