VICTORIA - Rules are being tightened for British Columbia's overdose-prevention safer supply program to require a witness when a user takes their drugs in an effort to stop the pills from being sold on the streets.

The government says all patients that are part of the prescribed alternatives program must now take their medication under the supervision of health professionals, such as pharmacists or nurses, effective Dec. 30.

Health Minister Josie Osborne said the change returns B.C. to the witnessed-dosing model, which existed before the COVID-19 pandemic.

She said the program save lives.

"This is about public policy and making decisions that are in the best interest of patients, and doing everything we can, to separate people with substance use disorders from an illicit, a toxic, a po

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