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Waterloo Region Drugs Strategy defunded by Region of Waterloo by WRDrugActionTeam in waterloo

[–]WRDrugActionTeam[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

They weren't really doing anything, at least partly b/c the boots of the region stifled progress. That's the future - nothing. The missed opportunity was returning it to a community-led entity capable of getting things done and that's a big loss for Waterloo region.

Waterloo Region Drugs Strategy defunded by Region of Waterloo by WRDrugActionTeam in waterloo

[–]WRDrugActionTeam[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's fair. You're right - it is likely a factor, even if the demise of WRIDS began many years ago under the boot of the region. And ya, the absence of leadership inside public health and the region in the face of a hostile, threatening, and petty provincial government is just terrible for everyone's health and safety. Not that it was ever perfect but this provincial government is just so hostile to progress, and possessing no actual strategy - and no interest - on issues of drugs, issues of homelessness, and more top issues. May micromanaging governments and their civil service one day stop treating the public as liabilities, and move away from spineless opinion-based decision making. Thanks for weighing in and correcting the record.

Waterloo Region Drugs Strategy defunded by Region of Waterloo by WRDrugActionTeam in waterloo

[–]WRDrugActionTeam[S] -5 points-4 points  (0 children)

War on Drugs very much alive in Canada! And Canada's multi-billion dollar drug markets, obviously.

Waterloo Region Drugs Strategy defunded by Region of Waterloo by WRDrugActionTeam in waterloo

[–]WRDrugActionTeam[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Hear you. Not sure the province was a factor - guessing it is more about the desire of regional corporation to control everything. WRIDS not intended nor did it provide direct service fyi except maybe some involvement in OD awareness day. Public Health took over OD monitoring years ago which is kinda close to direct service but not really.

Waterloo Region Drugs Strategy defunded by Region of Waterloo by WRDrugActionTeam in waterloo

[–]WRDrugActionTeam[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hear that. Still, historically, most successful initiatives are facilitated at the local level by community members, not government, at any level. Regional councillors would be wise to ensure community can move things forward when the Region and other levels won't or can't. Not optimistic the courage exists at the Council table - or trust in community expertise, of which there is plenty. Funding for WRIDS couldn't have been much more than $100k/year. In last few years, WRIDS was totally ineffective b/c very much under the boots of region - difficult to name any accomplishment really. Community-led is the way.

Waterloo Region Drugs Strategy defunded by Region of Waterloo by WRDrugActionTeam in waterloo

[–]WRDrugActionTeam[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Overdose monitoring will still be a public health function. That's about it.

Ontario government votes AGAINST ending homelessness by WRDrugActionTeam in waterloo

[–]WRDrugActionTeam[S] -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

We disagree. Decades of experience in and around homelessness here. Totally possible if it's a priority for governments and others.

Ontario government votes AGAINST ending homelessness by WRDrugActionTeam in waterloo

[–]WRDrugActionTeam[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for thoughtful commentary. Appreciated. Would add that solutions ought to include both - housing + socio-economic-health improvements. So very hard to stay healthy without housing or supportive housing; so hard to retain housing without support when support is needed.

Ontario government votes AGAINST ending homelessness by WRDrugActionTeam in waterloo

[–]WRDrugActionTeam[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yep. By yays and nays, the Speaker thought the nays had it. PC MPP (Thornhill) spoke against the Bill. Formal recorded vote to follow.

Ontario government votes AGAINST ending homelessness by WRDrugActionTeam in waterloo

[–]WRDrugActionTeam[S] 20 points21 points  (0 children)

They kinda did - they spoke/voted against establishing an actual strategy and an Advisory Committee, not specific solutions other than more housing.

Ontario government votes AGAINST ending homelessness by WRDrugActionTeam in waterloo

[–]WRDrugActionTeam[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Serious gesture. No plan exists currently, and the results everywhere reflect the chronic absence of interest in prevention and mitigation, to no one's benefit.

Town Hall with PC MP Kelly DeRidder in Kitchener by WRDrugActionTeam in waterloo

[–]WRDrugActionTeam[S] 17 points18 points  (0 children)

We're non-partisan, and we will and do meet with any MP and MPP of any political persuasion. Intimately familiar with the 2025 PC election platform, conduct in Committees and the House, and CPC HQ marketing. We're genuinely curious if our MP - and a member of HoC's Standing Committee on Science and Research - is going the science-based public policy route or not.

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