Ward 12 Greater Sudbury city council candidate Shawn Ouimet says the city should work with the provincial government to build a safe injection site co-housed with other services.
“I believe if we as a city do not do anything proactive now it will become worse,” he said. “Next may be your family member or friend possibly overdosing. Not an outcome I wish on anyone.
He touched on the Kingsway Entertainment District debate, saying many people want to move the main arena facility out of the downtown because of the city's drug problem.
“Many believe that moving the arena out of downtown is the best idea 'this way we don’t have to see the (insert negative word) anymore,'” Ouimet said.
“However if your kitchen sink is leaking do you close the cupboard door and hope the leak stops?”
Full news release below:
As I read articles in the media I have noticed a lot of disdain towards needles in our city, to which case ALL residences of Greater Sudbury have the right to complain about this issue.
This is an issue I believe has been pushed to the side because of the pro or anti ked debate. My question is why have candidates not spoken or come out with various ideas on what to do to help this growing issue.
Many believe that moving the arena out of downtown is the best idea “this way we don’t have to see the (insert negative word) anymore.” However if your kitchen sink is leaking do you close the cupboard door and hope the leak stops?
This is an issue that our past councils gave us and this council add to it by approving another opioid clinic downtown which makes that 4 for downtown. Did you know there is 1 on Notre Dame and 2 in New Sudbury?
I believe if we as a city do not do anything proactive now it will become worse, next may be your family member or friend possibly overdosing. Not an outcome I wish on anyone.
This council should work with provincial government to build not just a stand-alone safe injection site, but what I believe to be better; an all-inclusive centre with safe injection site to reduce the needles on the streets along with various addiction centre(s), with a shelter and food bank.
Currently these facilities are spread out within the city I believe creating this all-inclusive centre may create a safe and accessible centre for those that seek assistance.
No more closing the door on the issue (leaking faucet) now we’re creating ideas to fix the problem.
HSN has done many cuts in recent months maybe we could include these qualified men and women before they leave our city to find work elsewhere. This facility could become an example for the rest of the province.
We could become a leader in this field working with our medical school as another avenue for those medical students to stay in Greater Sudbury instead of moving elsewhere for medical positions.
A councillor should not be about supporting this, advocating for that and overseeing the other. This is great, if you’re voting for a follower. Your next councillor should be able to foster new ideas and bring them forward to have them executed.
A councillor, your ward’s leader should not just piggy back off others ideas. Enough games in the playground, it’s time to work.
Compare ideas; understand who wants to lead and who wants to support others for the next 4 years.
For more information on Ouimet's candidacy, visit his Sudbury.com election page.
