UVic’s New “Good Samaritan” Drug Policy

The University of Victoria just became the first university in BC to introduce a Good Samaritan–style drug policy. In plain terms, this means that if a student is experiencing a substance use emergency, their peers can call for help without worrying that they—or the person in crisis—will get punished for possession or use of drugs.

That might sound like a small policy change, but it could make a big difference.

What changed

Until July 2025, UVic’s non-academic misconduct policy technically listed possession and use of illegal drugs as misconduct. In practice, UVic says they weren’t actively investigating students just for using, but the rule was still on the books. And rules matter: they shape how safe people feel to ask for help.

Now, the university has removed that section and added Good Samaritan principles, modeled after federal law. Students who call for help during an overdose won’t face discipline for possession or use. Distribution for monetary gain is still prohibited, but the focus is on saving lives, not punishing.

Why it matters

Overdose deaths remain the leading public health emergency in BC. Young people are not immune, and campuses aren’t cut off from the crisis. When students hesitate to call for help because they fear punishment, the results can be tragic.

This change also came after a Coroner’s Inquest into the death of a UVic student, Sidney McIntyre-Starko, who died from an overdose in 2024. While the jury didn’t specifically recommend a Good Samaritan policy, they did call for more overdose prevention measures, including drug-checking and clear protections for students who seek help.

Policies like this send an important message: your life is more important than a rulebook.

A step in the right direction

UVic is setting a precedent that other universities in BC—and across Canada—could follow. But policies are only effective if students know about them. Advocates are calling for strong communication: orientation sessions, social media, posters in residence halls. If students don’t know the policy exists, it won’t change behavior when it matters most.

Good Samaritan approaches are not about condoning drug use. They’re about reducing harm, encouraging safety, and making sure no one hesitates to pick up the phone in an emergency.

At the end of the day, the priority is simple: saving lives.

If you or someone you know is struggling, we can connect you with trained counselors and local support services. Reach out through our Contact page to start the conversation.