Pubdate: Sat, 16 Apr 2016
Source: Ottawa Citizen (CN ON)
Copyright: 2016 Postmedia Network Inc.
Contact:  http://www.ottawacitizen.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/326
Author: Susan Buller
Page: B7

DON'T FORGET, ADDICTS ARE CITIZENS, TOO

Re: Battle lines drawn on proposed safe injection site for Ottawa, April 6.

I have long believed Mayor Jim Watson to be a thoughtful, intelligent
man of integrity. I have also believed that he had the best interests
of the citizens of Ottawa as a priority. How disappointing to learn
that when it comes to those afflicted with severe addiction, that is
not the case.

While Mr. Watson advocates for more and better treatment centres (with
which I concur), the sickest and most vulnerable are dying because
they cannot wait for treatment centres to be established. In the
meantime, a most viable option is possible at the Sandy Hill Community
Health Centre. Yet Mr. Watson refuses to visit the centre or meet with
Mr. Sean LeBlanc. It appears that our mayor is not only wearing
blinkers, but also a blindfold.

Drug addicts are citizens of Ottawa too, and they deserve the safety,
the support, and the hope of recovery, that supervised injection sites
offer.

Susan Buller, Ottawa
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MAP posted-by: Matt