The overwhelming sentiment during yesterday’s debate in Council Chambers on the Sheldon Chumir supervised consumption site was clear: healthcare and addiction treatment are provincial jurisdiction. Calgary City Council refused to play games with critical healthcare issues, like supervised consumption and broader programs to address harm reduction, detox, treatment and recovery. I appreciate Councillor McLean for bringing forward his notice of motion in response to Minister Dan Williams asking Council to...
In May 2021, the Province realized that the existing supervised consumption model in Calgary was not working & the detrimental impacts to neighbourhood residents and businesses had to be addressed. I agreed with the assessment then, and I still do. I also agreed that more treatment beds are needed and was very interested in the Province’s musings in 2022 to combine addictions treatment with supervised consumption sites and other ways...
Public safety, in and around downtown, has been an increasing concern for Calgarians. Ensuring that we take the right steps to solve the root of the issue is incredibly important by providing genuine solutions that make meaningful, long-lasting impacts. Along with increasing uniformed presence around the city, identifying community outreach services and social supports will help to sustain safety and vibrancy across our city. In 2023, I established the Downtown...