At the August 16 General Committee Meeting, Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall shifted the responsibility of the city’s infrastructure to the federal government. Meanwhile, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, Ya’ara Saks, proposed a collaboration with Barrie to address the opioid crisis, advocating for a compassionate method encompassing harm reduction, prevention, treatment, and enforcement. The question now is: Will Mayor Nuttall engage with the federal government’s offer to confront Barrie’s urgent opioid challenge?
Saks, in a recent interview, emphasized the pressing need to address the opioid crisis not just in large cities, but also in smaller ones like Barrie. Despite being smaller in size, Barrie has reported higher numbers of opioid-related issues than many other Ontario centers.
The Minister drew attention to the fact that the crisis is nationwide and affects both urban and rural regions. “It’s happening across the country, in cities big and small,” Saks said, stressing the importance of acknowledging that this is a problem affecting every part of Canada.
When asked about the differing approaches between the federal government and local bodies in Barrie, Minister Saks highlighted the federal stance on the matter. She emphasized that the government’s strategy rests on four pillars: harm reduction, prevention, treatment, and enforcement. The federal government aims to collaborate with everyone on the ground, from local governments to organizations dedicated to halting the crisis.
In a direct message to the Nuttall, his council, and the provincial government, Minister Saks highlighted the non-partisan nature of the crisis. She stated, “This is not about politics, this is about people.” The Minister urged for increased collaboration, emphasizing that the federal government stands ready to assist in any way necessary.
She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working collaboratively, ensuring communities have access to the necessary health care, supports, and resources in battling this epidemic. The goal is clear: saving lives.
