TIMMINS - A conference in Alberta this spring will have local representation.
Mayor Michelle Boileau and Cochrane District Paramedic Service (CDPS) deputy chief Seamus Murphy will attend an April event focusing on addressing the substance use crisis in Canada. It's part of the municipal leaders' table, an initiative by the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA).
While Boileau was already committed to the conference, she asked for Murphy to attend the conference with her. The request was approved at Thursday's Cochrane District Services Board (CDSB) meeting.
Cochrane District Paramedic Services (CDSP) chief Marc Renaud noted that Murphy has spoken at various venues across Canada about substance abuse response and medical care.
Timmins Coun. John Curley asked whether Boileau would be attending in her role as CDSB chair or as the mayor of Timmins. She confirmed that she would be there as the mayor.
The CCSA brings together municipal leaders to collaborate on a standardized approach to addressing substance use and toxic drug challenges.
Boileau is co-chairing the municipal leaders' table at the event.
The goal is to develop a pan-Canadian playbook for policies, services, and support systems tailored for small and mid-sized communities.
The municipal leaders table met virtually on Feb. 13 and meet again on March 28, followed by the three-day in-person gathering in Lethbridge from April 14 to 16.
The city previously hosted the Summit on the Substance Use Crisis in 2024.
Murphy’s participation in the event will be covered by the 2025 paramedic services budget, which includes provisions for conference travel and professional development.