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
'They needed people inside Air Canada:' Police announce arrests in Pearson gold heist
Police say one former and one current employee of Air Canada are among the nine suspects that are facing charges in connection with the gold heist at Pearson International Airport last year.
House admonishes ArriveCan contractor in rare parliamentary show of power
MPs enacted an extraordinary, rarely used parliamentary power on Wednesday, summonsing an ArriveCan contractor to appear before the House of Commons where he was admonished publicly and forced to provide answers to the questions MPs said he'd previously evaded.
Leafs star Auston Matthews finishes season with 69 goals
Auston Matthews won't be joining the NHL's 70-goal club this season.
Trump lawyers say Stormy Daniels refused subpoena outside a Brooklyn bar, papers left 'at her feet'
Donald Trump's legal team says it tried serving Stormy Daniels a subpoena as she arrived for an event at a bar in Brooklyn last month, but the porn actor, who is expected to be a witness at the former president's criminal trial, refused to take it and walked away.
Why drivers in Eastern Canada could see big gas price spikes, and other Canadians won't
Drivers in Eastern Canada face a big increase in gas prices because of various factors, especially the higher cost of the summer blend, industry analysts say.
Doug Ford calls on Ontario Speaker to reverse Queen's Park keffiyeh ban
Ontario Premier Doug Ford is calling on Speaker Ted Arnott to reverse a ban on keffiyehs at Queen's Park, describing the move as “needlessly” divisive.
'A living nightmare': Winnipeg woman sentenced following campaign of harassment against man after online date
A Winnipeg woman was sentenced to house arrest after a single date with a man she met online culminated in her harassing him for years, and spurred false allegations which resulted in the innocent man being arrested three times.
Woman who pressured boyfriend to kill his ex in 2000s granted absences from prison
A woman who pressured her boyfriend into killing his teenage ex more than a decade ago will be allowed to leave prison for weeks at a time.
Customers disappointed after email listing $60K Tim Hortons prize sent in error
Several Tim Horton’s customers are feeling great disappointment after being told by the company that an email stating they won a boat worth nearly $60,000 was sent in error.