'Municipalities cannot do it on their own': MP calls on feds to help address opioid crisis

OTTAWA - The local MP wants the federal government to do more to help municipalities deal with the opioid crisis. 

Today (Sept. 24) in Parliament, Timmins-James Bay MP Charlie Angus talked about the crisis that is hitting small- and medium-sized communities.

"Municipalities cannot do it on their own. People are dying from poisoned drugs. We have a lack of treatment opportunities. Our communities are suffering a serious housing crisis, and we are dealing with predatory gangs who are making our neighbourhoods unsafe. The federal government needs to be at the table," said Angus in a news release.

Recently, the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse and Addiction (CCSA) partnered with the City of Timmins for the Timmins Summit. The first-ever conference had people from municipalities with populations ranging from 50,000 to 150,000 people sharing ideas with drug policy experts, service providers and industry experts.

"We need increased funding for mental health supports. The government must implement a credible housing strategy that smaller communities can take advantage of. We need treatment and recovery programs. And we need to empower police with a credible gang strategy to shut down the violence," he said. 

In the first quarter of 2024, there were five opioid toxicity deaths in Timmins, which puts the rate at 47.6 per 100,000 people. The provincial rate is 16.3 deaths per 100,000 people.

Angus also highlighted the Mushkegowuk Fire Keepers program, suggesting the model could be used for a national program.

The program started back in 2020 with a small group of people who started going to high-risk areas, talking to homeless people with addictions and handing out snacks. When Mushkegowuk Council learned about the initiative, it submitted a proposal for a street outreach program.