OTTAWA, Ont. — The Member of Parliament for Kenora is calling on the federal government to support a request from Mishkeegogamang First Nation to establish an addictions treatment facility in the area.
Conservative MP Eric Melillo endorsed the request recently in a hand-delivered letter to Health Minister Patty Hajdu, the MP for Thunder Bay-Superior North.
"I believe that Mishkeegogamang's proposed addictions treatment facility would be a worthwhile investment in the health and long-term prosperity of this community," Melillo stated.
He asked Hajdu to provide the funds "to proceed to the next step."
Melillo said that over decades of providing addictions treatment to community members, Mishkeegogamang has developed successful programs with an emphasis on traditional teachings.
He added that he agreed with Chief David Masakeyash that the facility could be a model for opiate treatment across the country.
The centre would provide stability, Melillo said, and allow the community to administer its programs under one roof.
Hajdu's office did not immediately respond to a request made Tuesday for comment on the proposal.
Mishkeegogamang is about 500 kilometres north of Thunder Bay.
