Pubdate: Tue, 17 Oct 2017
Source: Expositor, The (CN ON)
Copyright: 2017 Brantford Expositor
Contact: http://www.brantfordexpositor.ca/letters
Website: http://www.brantfordexpositor.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1130
Author: Dale Renout
Page: A4

TORN OVER SAFE INJECTION SITES

Re: Local safe injection sites urged for drug strategy (Oct. 11)

Safe injection sites are being considered for Brantford following the
model of Vancouver and, soon, Toronto. I am torn. My first visceral
response is why should taxpayer dollars be used to promote drug use.
My kinder gentler side (the side that usually wins) says safe
injection sites don't legitimize drug use. Instead, they simply
provide a safe environment so drug users don't die.

I don't have the answer but I hope that, if a safe injection site is
funded, that counselling services are available to encourage drug
users to leave the drug scene and return to a healthy productive
lifestyle. I also hope that officials will be prudent and search for
way to do this in a fiscally responsible manner.

If this project moves forward, I respectfully ask that it not be
called a pilot. If approved, this program will save lives and be with
us for a long time.

I want lives to be saved, but, please, let's do what we can to
eradicate both legal and illegal drug abuse.

Rev. Dale Renout

Rawdon Street Baptist Church
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MAP posted-by: Matt