Pubdate: Wed, 08 Jan 2014
Source: Metro (London, CN ON)
Copyright: 2014 Free Daily News Group Inc.
Contact:  http://metronews.ca/London/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/5477
Author: Mike Donachie
Page: 2

METHADONE REQUEST LEAVES COUNCILLOR UPSET

Human rights: Commissioner's demand for information ruffles
feathers

A request from the province's human rights watchdog didn't go over
well Tuesday at city hall.

"We're just trying to do our job," said Coun. Joe Swan as the
difficult issue of regulating methadone clinics reared its head at the
corporate services committee.

That regulation, said a letter from the Ontario Human Rights
Commission, might be leading the city to discriminate against drug
addicts.

The commission has asked for a large amount of documentation from the
city as it seeks to decide whether people's rights are being affected
by city rules governing methadone clinics and pharmacies.

The request left Swan unhappy with the suggestion that anyone's being
discriminated against.

"I'm somewhat offended that (chief commissioner Barbara Hall) would
suggest such a thing," the councillor said.

So, as staff get to work on drawing together all the paperwork, Swan
suggested it might be accompanied by a letter explaining that council
didn't like the tone of the request.

The request focuses on city planning and regulation bylaws, and seeks
to find out if they "discriminate against people with addictions who
rely on methadone services."

The city will be replying, solicitor Jennifer Smout told the
committee, but the Feb. 7 deadline, given by the commission on Dec.
18, is tight. Clerk Cathy Saunders said the request represents four
weeks of work for staff.

Smout said staff asked for more time, but the commission "has not been
sympathetic," although they may be able to send some documents a
little late.
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MAP posted-by: Matt