A statement made by a New Democrat MP on May 9 highlighted the issues of opioid use and homelessness in his hometown’s central district, as reported by Blacklock’s Reporter.
Timmins MP Charlie Angus shared his childhood memories of the area, expressing concern about the decline in visitors to the downtown core due to the challenges of mental health, opioid addiction, and homelessness. He emphasized the need for support from the city to address these issues effectively.
During a hearing at the Commons human resources committee, Mr. Angus pointed out that the situation in Timmins reflects a larger problem faced by many northern communities. Despite the city’s efforts, the lack of resources and suitable infrastructure hinders their ability to combat these crises.
The City of Timmins, with a population of 42,000, receives a significant number of calls to the police annually, indicating the severity of the situation.
His remarks were part of a broader discussion on the urgent need for affordable housing in Canada, particularly in northern Ontario. Mr. Angus highlighted the demand for various types of housing, including four-plexes, co-op housing, seniors’ residences, and urban First Nations housing to accommodate the growing population.
This discussion follows similar concerns raised by Thunder Bay MP Marcus Powlowski, who noted the impact of public drug use on public order in many regions. He described instances of disorderliness in downtown cores, emphasizing the need for effective interventions to address these issues.
Mr. Powlowski’s observations were echoed by Fiona Wilson, deputy chief of the Vancouver Police Department, who expressed concerns about the consequences of decriminalizing public drug use in British Columbia. Despite efforts to mitigate the impact, challenges persist, underscoring the complex nature of the situation.
On May 7, the federal government approved a request by the province of B.C. to reintroduce criminalization of drug use in public spaces, reflecting a shift in policy due to the escalating social problems associated with drug use.
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