LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
More action needed to help people dealing with addiction
Re: Neighbourhood crime grows out of addiction issue, Jan. 30
The editorial on Jan. 30 attributing many crimes to those with substance use issues leads me to highlight that the loss of lives due to substance use and mental health issues in our city is totally out of control. Eight lives lost in January alone!
As a member of Moms Stop the Harm, a network of Canadian families impacted by substance use related harms and death who advocate to change failed drug policies, I think action is needed now to make the changes necessary to stop this crisis.
Persons suffering from problematic drug use need support to overcome their addiction and preventing deaths has to be paramount. Until they get that help there will be more deaths and more criminal activity.
Problematic substance use has to be treated as a public health emergency. Safe supply, harm reduction, decriminalization, education to reduce stigma and yes, a decent living income are all needed. No one chooses to become addicted and problematic substance abuse can happen to anyone. Some people oppose harm reduction strategies such as safe consumption sites even though these have proven to help. Support has to start somewhere. You can’t help a dead person!
We in Peterborough need to face it that something needs to change or we will keep losing people, many to a poisoned drug supply. Some desperate to buy their drug of choice will continue to commit crimes. Our local, provincial and federal governments need to start taking immediate action and we as concerned citizens need to demand that. Clare Keast, Jennifer Drive
Epoch Times has coverage other media doesn’t
Re: Don’t like seeing The Epoch Times in the mail? Toss it, Jan. 27
Dear Peterburians: I am a Peterborough Examiner subscriber and have been for many years now. No, I am not a subscriber to the Epoch Times. But I do value the freedom of choice I have (at least at the moment) of reading whatever I choose. And that does include the recently received complimentary copy of the Epoch Times.
The Epoch Times receives no government funding. I quite enjoyed being introduced to a second viewpoint covering a variety of world events. Two items in particular jumped out to me that were very concerning and timely: “$500 Million Donation From Facebook’s Zuckerberg Used to Undermine US Election, Violate Law: Report” and “Canadian Pension Money Keeps Pouring Into China as Risks Escalate.”
I have not seen these newsworthy events published in the Peterborough Examiner nor Peterborough This week.
Are our newspapers being influenced because of receiving government funding? Why are we afraid of reading an independent published newspaper? Berenice Pepe, Charlotte Street
More must be done to improve long-term care
Dear MP Maryam Monsef and MPP Dave Smith: You have no doubt heard Canadian doctors are collectively speaking out about our humanitarian crisis. Doctors for Justice in Long-Term Care are addressing this crisis.
Why are vulnerable seniors and the people with chronic disabilities being treated this way? Doctors are as shaken as the rest of us. Currently, 41 per cent of Ontario LTC homes are experiencing outbreaks. Staff face stress, burnout, and worst of all, the risk of contracting the coronavirus with each and every shift.
The doctors have observed that government response has been piecemeal, at best. Provincial “help” is clearly not working. And the grim statistic of one LTC death per hour is a reality.
“Lack of transparency and co-ordinated efforts” are further observations from our medical doctors. When will the government listen to them, to front-line workers, to families? I will repeat the term used by Dr. Amit Arya: a humanitarian crisis is occurring in our country, and our governments are failing all of us. Margaret Allin, Franmor Drive