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.

I also believe that revenues stemming from the Federal decision to legalize cannabis should be segregated and dedicated towards action on addiction, recovery and law enforcement. Specifically, any provincial funds from the sale of cannabis should be segregated from general revenue and used primarily for the following objectives.

• 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