TODD STONE: I believe the time has come for the creation of a Special Committee of the Legislature to investigate the issue, hear from global experts, and propose solutions to save lives
A short time ago, I posted an opinion piece, on Addictions and Recovery. Early last week I sat down and spoke with my
own MLA for Kamloops South Thompson, Todd Stone. I wanted to know what specific thoughts he
had, and not just the policy of the BC Liberal Party. I received that reply today, and wish to
thank him for both his time in seeing me, but also for taking the time to
provide me with his response. Here it is
in its entirety:
Kamloops South Thompson MLA Todd Stone |
We continue to find our province in the midst of one of the
worst health care emergencies in our history – an overdose crisis claiming the
lives of 4 British Columbians every day. This despite a coordinated
health-focused approach to this medical issue – including the declaration of a
provincial health emergency, numerous harm reduction and recovery measures,
education, awareness and enforcement.
And we must do more.
This is a crisis indiscriminate in its impact – affecting
people of all backgrounds, in communities large and small. 9 out 10 deaths
occur indoors including more than half in private residences. 80% who die are
males between the ages of 25 and 55 – regrettably, many using alone.
We
need to park politics and ideology at the door when it comes to tackling the
addiction crisis that continues to devastate far too many British Columbia
families.
This
committee would be completely non-partisan and focused entirely on identifying
a range of possible solutions to this epidemic. The committee would convene
across the province and have the authority to bring global experts to British
Columbia as well as consulting with experts in B.C. and would not be
constrained by any current addiction care model. As part of remaining
non-partisan, the committee would report directly to the Legislature.
- Support both harm reduction AND recovery programs for those battling addiction.
- Encourage expansion of more 12 step and other approved recovery programs.
- Support research at B.C. universities into addiction including the development of new and innovative ways to combat addiction and promote recovery.
- Support law enforcement efforts to prevent the sale of drugs to young people and the involvement of organized crime in the drug trade.
- Support local government needs stemming from cannabis legalization.
With the opioid addiction crisis continuing to ravage
families and communities across British Columbia, we must all come together to end
the stigma associated with drug use, shine a light on the dangers of using
alone, support hard reduction initiatives, and wrap every recovery-focused support
possible around our loved ones to assist them in making the best choices
possible.
Todd G. Stone,
MLA, Kamloops – South Thompson
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