As the opioid crisis claims more and more lives every day, Kootenay – Columbia MP Wayne Stetski yesterday called on the Liberal government for a federal declaration of a national public health emergency.

“Across Canada, too many families are tragically losing parents, siblings and children to the opioid crisis,” said Stetski (NDP). “From downtown neighbourhoods to our most remote areas, few communities have been untouched by these highly addictive and dangerous drugs.”

New Democrats urged Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government to commit significant new dollars and resources to combat what is inarguably a deepening, serious crisis that is affecting every region of the country.

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.

“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.”

Lead image: Map showing deaths in Canada in 2016 and 2017 from the opioid crisis. Canada.ca image

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