Safe Injection Site debate
Posted Apr 12, 2012 11:53:50 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
A just released study which calls for safe injection sites in Ottawa and Toronto has sparked debate from both sides of the issue. Ottawa mayor, Jim Watson and Ottawa police chief, Charles Bordeleau have come out against any being set up in Ottawa. Chris Grinham of Safer Ottawa agrees. “One’s bad enough, two would be worse”. Grinham has first hand experience with the problem of discarded dirty syringes in Lowertown. He tells 1310News, their efforts which were handed over to the city have drastically improved conditions.
Grinham also disputes the study’s theory that it would reduce the incidence of infection. ” It’s not because they don’t have access to the equipment, that’s the way they do things. They have one hit they have one needle and they share with three people.” Grinham also fears a safe injection site would attract addicts from outside the city.
Caleb Chepesiuk , with Campaign for Safer Consumption Sites disputes that. ” We know Montreal is discussing putting in safe injection sites in their own city”. Chepesuik tells 1310News his group is disappointed with the decision by the mayor and police chief.
Campaign for Safer Consumption Sites wants to keep the discussion going and is hosting a movie night and discussion on Tuesday April 17 at the Main Branch of the Ottawa Public Library. Everyone is welcome.
