SEAN SMITH -- Too many organizations are simply sustaining the problem because ending it means ending their cash flow

 

This CBC story is one of the many reasons I decided to run for the Courtenay - Comox nomination under the BC Conservative banner. I am so tired of seeing members of the BC NDP, or bureaucrats from their government, tell us that these things are not happening, and that what they are doing is saving lives. I am sure that it is helping some people, but on the street, safe supply, has basically become currency for exchange, either for money or harder drugs.

I have seen it in-person because this is where I worked (seriously, I know everyone being interviewed for this piece). They keep telling us that it is a complex problem. Well, you don’t apply a blanket solution to a complex problem, and you don’t do it without an end game plan ... and I don’t see an end game here. I only see more problems.

Instead, I have watched as the BC NDP government of Premier David Eby throws tax dollars down the rabbit hole, in some belief that organizations like the Drugs User Liberation Front (DULF) were somehow helping solve the problem. Then there are other organizations who are simply sustaining the problem because ending it means ending their cash flow.

I have been asked, “How do you see assisting with this massive, complicated, provincial issue?”.

My response? We need to stop using the broad-brush approach to answer complex questions.

Instead, we need separate solutions for separate sections of the problems. The solution for the home and casual and home user deaths does NOT work for the street user. Overdose prevention sites work only for the street users, and they only work if they have proper security and staffing.

Additionally, there MUST be an effort to get every addict onto the path of rehab which means we MUST make building more rehab and recovery beds a priority -- as well as ensuring that there is post rehab/recovery support in place.

Recovering addicts need support to help ensure that they don’t head back, not advocates running around trying to remove “stigma”, because too often I have watched as street users come back from court ordered rehab, only to be back on the nod within days.

In conclusion, let’s tackle this as a society, with a focus that awareness, compassion, and a comprehensive and holistic plan will assist in the big picture.

 

Sean Smith is seeking the nomination for the Conservative Party of BC, in the riding of Courtenay – Comox. He is a 15-year Canadian Armed Forces Veteran (with UN and NATO service) and is in the Royal Canadian Air Force Reserves (CIC) working with the Cadets Canada program. He is the Business Development Specialist for a Vancouver Island based Security company and has been in the Security Industry for over 16 years. A born and raised British Columbian, Sean is married and has 2 grown sons.