PC leader Doug Ford is defending his party’s record when it comes to the opioid crisis in northern Ontario.
Several communities have seen a rise in overdoses and related-death in the last few years.
Speaking yesterday in Timmins, Ford says tackling the issue has been a priority.
“Actually, we are getting it done. We’re the only government that made sure we had a Minister of Mental Health and Addiction. We’ve done the largest investment in Canadian history of $3.8 billion,” says Ford.
He says that is far and above what the Liberals did when they were in power.
“They did absolutely nothing. They never had a Minister of Mental Health and Addiction. They didn’t put a red cent into mental health and addiction. We’re putting $3.8 billion. I understand it’s an issue here, and we’re going to continue investing and make sure that we help people that have an addiction or have any mental health issues.”
The budget brought forward before the election call included an investment of $204 million into mental health programs.
Recently, a report issued by the Northern Policy Institute presented to local leaders concluded that local municipalities are finding themselves cash strapped in dealing with homelessness, addictions and mental issues.
Analyst and Author Holly Parsons, “All health units in northern Ontario have seen a general increase in opioid-related emergency department visits, with more drastic increases experienced in Northwest Health Unit, Porcupine Health Unit and Public Health Sudbury and District.”
Parsons makes eight recommendations, including creating a northern mental health and addictions centre of excellence to address the unique challenges of service delivery in the region.
She stresses one-size-fits-all policies and standardized systems of care don’t always work up here.
It was a quiet day for the other provincial party leaders on Sunday.
NDP Leader Andrea Horwath hosted a Mother’s Day brunch in Ayr.
Green Party leader Mike Schreiner held private meetings with residents in his riding of Guelph.
Liberal leader Steven Del Duca opted to do no campaigning on Mother’s Day.
