The following letter from Mayor Ken Boshcoff is in response to comments he made in an article published yesterday:
In an article published yesterday titled “City pushed ‘way beyond our capacity’”, I made comments that, upon reflection, were misinformed and incorrect. I take full responsibility for my errors, and want to take this opportunity to provide you with the facts and use this as an opportunity to educate.
I know that it is frustrating and challenging for people in our community who run and operate businesses, and residents, to truly understand these complex issues. We know, like many, many other municipalities in Canada, that there are people experiencing homelessness, substance use, and mental health issues here.
In the article I spoke about Thunder Bay being designated as a “Safe Supply City”. We in fact do not have any designation for safer supply. Safer supply is a program that is run and operated by NorWest Community Health Centres and funded by Health Canada.
There are special exemptions and requirements for a community to offer this program. It does not draw people to the community for “safe free drugs”. It’s a very small program with less than 25 clients, currently at capacity, receiving a prescription for safer supply with the oversight of health care providers.
Safer supply programs aim to reduce overdose deaths and morbidity related to illicit drug use, especially for individuals who haven’t responded well to previous treatment options. These programs provide a pharmaceutical alternative to the toxic, illegal drug supply. The goal is to prevent overdoses, save lives, and connect people who use drugs to other health and social services. It’s important to remember to highlight that safe supply measures are a crucial step toward reducing the risk of overdose deaths and improving overall health outcomes.
Our municipality has no direct provision of safer supply. There is no staffing in the city associated with this program. Safe supply is also NOT being provided at encampments. It’s only delivered through and at NorWest Community Health Centres. The program has an external evaluator working with program clients to assess how the program has impacted their lives. Preliminary results show a decrease in street supply use, criminal behaviours, and emergency services interactions.
There is not one particular demographic of people who are homeless or who use substances. There is a wide array of individuals experiencing these challenges within our community, and communities across Canada.
It is a fact that the number of people experiencing homelessness is growing. They are not only growing in Thunder Bay, but they are growing across Canada. Rates of poverty continue to increase. Rates of unemployment and cost of living continue to be a challenge.
We are not direct recipients of provincial or federal dollars to support or provide housing or address homelessness.
Community leaders, including myself, will continually advocate to the provincial and federal governments for supports so that we can enhance and continue to provide services that meet the needs.
I see so many groups in the city already doing incredible work.
With all of this in mind, if you are experiencing or witnessing a significant safety issue, please call police in an emergency.
If businesses are experiencing issues, like individuals blocking access, etc., they can report a problem on the city’s website or call 24-hour dispatch at 807-625-2195. If it is an encampment situation, the city works in partnership with multiple community providers for coordinated responses. External organizations that provide direct outreach services can make contact with individuals, assess needs and provide supports.
We ALL want a healthy, strong and safe community. There is no doubt of that. This community belongs to everyone that lives here, and I am asking you to be understanding as we work through this together.
Mayor Ken Boshcoff
