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Debate over opioid crisis HIGH RISK
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City hall mulls whether to request state of emergency Jeremy Simes
Metro | Edmonton Fatal opioid overdoses are on the rise in Edmonton, but does it warrant a state of emergency? That was the question at city hall Monday as representatives from fire and police departments spoke about the toll drugs are taking on families and first responders. Mayor Don Iveson told reporters further work is required to determine if the province should call a state of emergency over the crisis. Debate over such action — which would give the province extraordinary powers — comes after the province reported 343 fentanyl-related overdose deaths in 2016, up 25 per cent from 2015. In the Edmonton region, 106 people died from overdoses last year. Suburban
Sheltered + expoSed
men aged 16 to 34 and Indigenous populations are considered at high risk. “It may or may not be actually what’s needed right now, but I don’t want to rule out the opportunity as things escalate, and as we understand more, whether that would be helpful calling for it,” Iveson said. Though Deputy Police Chief Brian Simpson told the committee declaring a public health emergency could also help police with mounting costs, the province clarified such action wouldn’t result in more funding. However, Simpson said buying new opioid-testing equipment and safety gear has been costly. “It would help address some of the costs as this process has hit us,” Simpson told the committee. The state of emergency could also mean “more robust and available treatment supports,” similar to how flu clinics operate, according to Jenny Kain, director of family and community supports with the city. “They are concerned that’s not happening as robustly as it could be.” The province has said a state of emergency isn’t necessary, arguing such measures are more effective under a highly communicable disease outbreak.
exhibition openinG February 15, 2017 7pM – 10pM
For MeMberS and GueStS oF latitude 53
Media Architecture Design Edmonton (MADE) presents an exploration of the duality of shelter and exposure to winter design This exhibition opens February 15th, 2017, and runs until April 1, 2017
10242 – 106 St | latitude53.orG