Opposition Leader Roger Grimes says some of the major
investments and initiatives recommended by the Oxycontin task force have not
yet been implemented by government to help address and reduce drug addiction
problems in the province. Grimes asked several questions regarding the
recommendations of the task force and accessibility to methadone treatment
programs in today’s question period in the House of Assembly."I was very
surprised and disappointed that government has not moved to implement some
of the major recommendations of the Oxycontin task force," said Mr. Grimes.
"There were several key recommendations including the recruitment and hiring
of new addictions councillors throughout the province and the establishment
of a methadone treatment program for inmates at the province’s correctional
facilities. Government today confirmed that neither initiative has taken
place.
"Recommendation 45 of the Oxycontin task force also recommends that
legislative amendments to the Medical Act be prepared for this session of
the House of Assembly. These changes will help address some of the current
issues surrounding drug addition in the province. The recommendation states
that ‘it is extremely important that these timelines be met to protect
individual and public safety.’ In his response this afternoon, the Minister
of Justice gave no indication that this legislation would be forthcoming
during this legislative session.
"We have also heard the complaints of those with substance abuse problems
and advocates such as Chaplain Ron Fitzpatrick regarding access to methadone
treatments in the province. It is estimated that upwards of 90 per cent of
addicts who require methadone treatments live in the St. John’s area, yet
there is no treatment facility on the east coast. In addition, government is
not willing to provide any significant financial support for these people to
travel to the only provincial treatment centre in Grand Falls-Windsor. It is
time for government to either establish a second treatment centre in the
province that will serve the St. John’s area, or provide the necessary
financial support to help these people get to Grand Falls-Windsor in an
effort to curb their addiction.
"Drug addiction is a major problem in our province today. Armed robberies
and thefts are increasing very dramatically, and unless this problem is
addressed, there will continue to be a steady increase in criminal
activities. People who are dealing with drug addictions often turn to crime
in an effort to support their habits. Unless government makes the necessary
investments recommended by the task force, there does not seem to be any
real solution to this growing epidemic. Now is the time to act before this
problem gets any worse."