Pubdate: Fri, 08 Apr 2016
Source: Ottawa Sun (CN ON)
Copyright: 2016 Canoe Limited Partnership
Contact: http://www.ottawasun.com/letter-to-editor
Website: http://www.ottawasun.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/329
Author: Julie Laramee
Page: 16
Note: Parenthetical remark by the Sun editor.

Why Jim?

Waiting to find out if the safe injection will become reality has got
me on pins and needles. Why is Mayor Jim Watson so opposed to this
idea? The decision-makers need to understand that these sites aren't
just about letting addicts shoot up their illegal drugs.

You're telling me that the mayor of Canada's capital is against an
opportunity that could reduce homelessness, disease and drug use? I
simply don't understand.

One thing I do understand is the community's fear that drug use and
consequent crime rate might spike.

Fortunately, studies conducted after Canada's first safe injection
site was opened in Vancouver show a decrease in drug use, theft,
overdoses and infection.

I'm glad the Sandy Hill Community Health Centre will be educating the
public about this issue, because the myths are blurring everyone's
vision. I sure will be attending, and I hope our mayor does too.

Julie Laramee

Ottawa

(Watson has it right. Treatment, not enabling, is the right thing to
do.)  
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D