The Kootenay-Columbia MP is calling on the federal government to declare a national state of public health emergency, as the opioid crisis claims more and more lives.
New Democrats urged Trudeau’s government to commit significant new dollars and resources to combat what is a deepening, serious crisis that is affecting every region of the country, said a news release.
“Across Canada, too many families are tragically losing parents, siblings, and children to the opioid crisis,” said NDP MP Wayne Stetski. “From downtown neighbourhoods to our most remote areas, few communities have been untouched by these highly addictive and dangerous drugs.”
Research released by the Angus Reid Institute shows that one in eight Canadians – nearly 3.5 million people – have close friends or family members who have become dependent on opioids in the last five years.
However, fewer than one in four Canadians believe that the federal government has ‘responded appropriately’ to this issue. Canada’s New Democrats agree.
“The Liberals claim to be doing everything in their power to address the opioid crisis, and yet, that’s clearly not true,” added Stetski. “New Democrats have been calling for the declaration of a national public health emergency for over two years. It’s time for the Liberal government to act.”
