B.C. Conservative MLA Questioned by RCMP Over Leak of Opioid Diversion Documents

B.C. Conservative MLA Elenore Sturko, a former RCMP officer and the Opposition’s public safety critic, says she was questioned by the RCMP after she released confidential Ministry of Health documents earlier this year. The leaked slides revealed troubling details about prescribed opioids being diverted into illicit markets and alleged kickback schemes involving certain pharmacies.

Sturko shared the information publicly in February, arguing that the leaks exposed serious flaws in B.C.'s safer supply program. Just days later, Health Minister Josie Osborne announced major changes to the program—requiring patients to consume prescription opioids under pharmacist supervision to prevent further diversion.

Sturko says she views the resulting policy shift as a positive outcome. However, five days after she went public, B.C.'s director of police services, Glen Lewis, requested an RCMP investigation into the unauthorized disclosure of the sensitive slides.

Sturko was interviewed by police on April 30. “Even as a former officer, getting contacted by the anti-corruption unit is intimidating,” she said, warning that such investigations could discourage future whistleblowers from sharing critical information with elected officials.

Premier David Eby, responding to the political fallout, insisted the decision to launch the investigation was made independently by Lewis and that he was unaware of it until recently. “She was doing her job,” Eby said of Sturko. “I understand why she would be upset.”

Public Safety Minister Garry Begg, also a former Mountie, confirmed he had no role in initiating the probe but stood by Lewis’s right to request it.

According to the RCMP, the investigation—launched under Section 44 of the B.C. Police Act—is focused on whether unauthorized disclosures may have compromised an active investigation. RCMP spokesperson Sgt. Vanessa Munn clarified that Sturko “is not now, nor ever was, under investigation.”

B.C. Conservative Leader John Rustad accused the government of trying to stifle dissent. “This sends a chilling message to anyone who might speak out against them,” he said.

Premier Eby emphasized that while he supports whistleblower protections, he has no authority to stop a police investigation. He added that a greater priority for law enforcement should be following up on the alleged misconduct by pharmacies described in the leaked materials.