Controversy erupts after Edmonton workers stop handing out syringes, pipes near transit
In an attempt to reduce open drug use in public places, city harm-reduction contractors are no longer giving syringes and pipes to people in pedways or near transit centres – a change attracting mixed reaction.
The "clarified approach" took effect Feb. 1 because of safety concerns, a city official in charge of the program said in a statement to CTV News Edmonton.
"We anticipate this clarification will prevent negative interactions between those working in transit spaces and those turning to transit spaces to consume drugs," said bus operations director Ryan Birch.
"The Opioid Response Team continues to hand out food, naloxone and educational supplies on transit property."
The mayor applauded the change, saying the harm-reduction strategy was actually increasing risks for passengers and transit workers.
"We were seeing that people were consuming and using [the drug paraphernalia] on transit facilities, which is not the right place to do so," Amarjeet Sohi said.
"I think what we need is more supervised [injection site] locations, more properly managed locations."
Reusing needles to inject drugs puts users at risk of contracting blood borne infections such as HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C, according to Alberta Health Services' website.
Sohi's council colleague is worried about that, although she acknowledges the city was sending mixed signals by distributing drug supplies in places where it’s illegal to use them.
"We know that people will still continue to use drugs, whether they have a safe needle or they don’t have a safe needle," said Ward Anirniq Coun. Erin Rutherford.
"I don’t think it’ll stop it from happening, I think we are just putting people more at risk."
The city and the province have for months been trying to find ways to reduce violent crimes and social disorder downtown and on transit.
Edmonton City Council has passed a new Transit Safety Plan, hired more peace officers and security guards and tightened bylaws in an effort to improve safety.
Alberta's UCP government recently appointed a task force and announced that sheriffs will help Edmonton police officers patrol in inner-city Chinatown.
A spokesperson with Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society said he likes the change to no longer handing out needles and pipes, pointing out the main purpose of outreach is to connect the person in need with treatment options.
"They’re still providing opportunities for these folks to get the medical care, housing, financial assistance. That's really the most important thing," said Lloyd Yellowbird.
The president of the local transit union admitted he doesn't have all the answers on how to fix the system but welcomed the effort to improve conditions for workers.
"I don’t know if it’s the right thing to do or not. What I do know is that whatever we’re doing now isn’t working," said Steve Bradshaw.
The city also has Community Outreach Transit Teams (COTT), which see a transit peace officer paired with workers from Bent Arrow to provide access to services for vulnerable people. COTT teams do carry naloxone for drug poisoning reversal, Birch said.
With files from CTV News Edmonton's Jeremy Thompson
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canada Day is forecast to be rainy for many this year. Here's a look at weather and fireworks celebrations
Canada turns 157 years old this year, and several fireworks shows across the country are expected to paint the night skies in celebration. Here's a look at the forecast and fireworks celebrations across the country for Canada Day in 2024.
Gathered at Camp David, Biden's family tells him to stay in the race and keep fighting
U.S. President Joe Biden's family used a Sunday gathering at Camp David to urge him to stay in the race and keep fighting despite his dreadful debate performance.
B.C.'s Michael J. Fox joins Coldplay on stage at Glastonbury Festival
A crowd of around 100,000 people were treated to a surprise appearance from a B.C. star during Coldplay’s set at Glastonbury Festival in England this weekend.
Are you proud to be Canadian? Poll suggests that feeling is dwindling
A new poll suggests the vast majority of Canadians are proud of their home and native land, but our sense of national pride is lower than it was a few years ago.
WestJet calls on feds for ‘urgent clarity’ around strike after 800 flights cancelled
A strike by WestJet plane mechanics forced the airline to cancel hundreds more flights on Sunday, upending the plans of roughly 110,000 travellers over the Canada Day long weekend and prompting the carrier to demand action from the federal government.
Neighbour on the hook for $3,675 in damages due to ‘nuisance cedar’: B.C. tribunal
A B.C. man who reneged on a deal to split the cost of removing a tree with his next-door neighbour is now on the hook for the whole amount, B.C.’s civil resolution has ruled.
A study identified 6 types of depression. Here’s why that matters
Scientists may be a step closer to that reality, thanks to new research that has identified six subtypes — or 'biotypes' — of major depression via brain imaging combined with machine learning.
Russian state media claim Kanye West is visiting Moscow
Unconfirmed reports say American rapper and producer Kanye West is visiting Moscow. If true, it would make West the first major American celebrity to visit Moscow since the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
RCMP says a police chase involving an RV in Lloydminster has resulted in multiple injuries
Several people were injured Saturday night after a man allegedly stole an occupied RV during a police chase at a campground in Lloydminster.