Eby’s statements sound alarm bells

DEAR EDITOR:

It seems unwise for Interior Health to even consider defunding Pathways Addictions Resource Centre. They have been operating in Penticton for decades. Pathways has established an impressive service in providing professional help to people battling addiction on an outpatient basis. They also play a vital role in education, referrals, and outreach services.

The homeless and drug crisis in Penticton has reached almost unmanageable levels. Housing Minister David Eby refers to 16 years of neglect by the previous provincial government.

Quite wrong. The provincial crisis was brought to the attention of the federal government by the provincial Liberals in 2016.

The provincial Liberals recommended access to medication that can temporarily reverse an overdose. They also recommended banning pill presses used to make illicit drugs, spending more on policing, giving border guards more power, and reaching out to China to stop illegal drugs reaching our country.

Since 2017 under the current provincial government, the opioid crisis has steadily escalated. Criminal behaviour surrounding the supportive housing communities has compounded the issue. It has also negatively affected nearby businesses, seniors, families, and public access to needed community services.

Statements made by Eby should ring alarm bells to all. With the poorly managed situation in Vancouver and Victoria, he has cowardly threatened to send tents up to Penticton. City Council here has taken constructive measures to manage this situation. However, all levels of government should be working together to ease this crisis.

Eby suggests that shelters are not welcome anywhere. He is wrong. We all know that accommodation is needed to address the medical and other complex needs of these disadvantaged people. At this stage mental hospitals, treatment centres, and dedicated secure detox services are required. Although harm reduction measures are provided by supportive housing, police, paramedics, and other emergency services are close to being maxed out.

I strongly support that the existing supportive housing facilities should be audited. City Council requires more cooperation from provincial and federal governments in finding solutions. I do not believe that defunding Pathways, police services, and focusing primarily on legalizing and decriminalizing is the right way to go.

I further agree with Mayor John Vassilaki that all future communication with Minister Eby must be in writing. This is not a NIMBY issue.

Connie Redknap, Penticton