Pubdate: Tue, 03 Jan 2017
Source: Nanaimo News Bulletin (CN BC)
Copyright: 2017, BC Newspaper Group
Contact:  http://www.nanaimobulletin.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/948
Author: Nina Evans-Locke

COMPASSION, HUMANITY NEEDED IN DRUG CRISIS

To the Editor,

Re: Unsanctioned injection site forces closure of two municipal buildings
in Nanaimo, Dec. 29.

I am mystified and angered that city hall was closed because the city
manager had safety, legal and health concerns regarding the users of the
safe injection site in the parking lot. Apparently drug users are all
violent and out to get city staff and local citizens minding their own
business. What nonsense.This site is staffed by highly skilled health
workers who are volunteering their time and efforts to save lives.

It appears that council has sent the matter for further consideration
without any decision until February.What an ironic state of affairs.
People are dying every day due to the fentanyl crisis and the city staff
and council are worried about liability and safety issues? Do you not see
how ridiculous this is?

I commend the two councillors who decided to do something while Island
Health drags its feet about opening a safe injection site that they have
said they would do, while more and more drug users die.

Get real, as they used to say in the '60s. Look beyond selfish concerns
and find some compassion and humanity.

Nina Evans-Locke Nanaimo
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