'Increasing the stigma': Advocates call out Edmonton police chief for comments on meth
The Edmonton Police Service confirmed last week that crime is on the rise in 2022, and the city’s police chief pointed at methamphetamines as a contributing factor.
“The bigger concern in relation to violence for us is meth,” Dale McFee said on Aug. 4.
“Meth keeps you awake; you’re violent. Normal people do not normal things.”
But advocates are pushing back, saying blaming drug users only helps the stigma to thrive.
“I think making statements like that is very dangerous for the people that are out in the streets. I think you’re painting them all with one brush,” said Angie Staines of 4B Harm Reduction Society.
Staines says her son is a user, but she leads an outreach group too.
“We’re building relationships and trust where there isn’t a lot of trust right now.”
“I have conversations with meth users numerous times an evening when I’m out there, and do not feel threatened. Absolutely is there situations that I make sure that I distance myself from? Absolutely. But to paint a whole community, that is increasing the stigma and stigma kills.”
While McFee did acknowledge there is a difference between the vulnerable on the street and those committing crimes, Staines says it’s not enough.
She says people on the streets prefer to deal with social agencies instead of police.
“Of course the police play a role and they need to, but we need to do more with working with agencies."
With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Joe Scarpelli.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Montreal doctors' breakthrough discovery about causes of cerebral palsy giving hope
A breakthrough discovery made by doctors at the Montreal Children's Hospital about the causes of cerebral palsy is giving new hope to one West Island family.
Weather alerts issued for 7 provinces, 1 territory
Warnings of up to 60 millimetres of rain and other alerts have been issued for seven Canadian provinces and one territory ahead of the Easter weekend.
Ontario homeowner on the hook for $27,000 when contractor severed power line
An Ontario man who built a garage on his property has been locked in a battle with his electricity provider for a year and half over a severed power line.
For years she thought her son had died of an overdose. The police video changed all that
Austin Hunter Turner died in 2017, on a night that his mother has rewound and replayed again and again, trying to make sense of what happened.
Grandparent scam: London, Ont., senior beats fraudsters not once, but twice
It was a typical Tuesday for Mabel Beharrell, 84, until she got the call that would turn her world upside down. Her teenaged grandson was in trouble and needed her help.
CRA no longer requiring 'bare trust' reporting in 2023 tax return
The Canada Revenue Agency announced Thursday it will not require 'bare trust' reporting from Canadians that it introduced for the 2024 tax season, just four days before the April 2 deadline.
Why Kim Kardashian is being sued for 'knockoff' furniture
The estate of minimalist contemporary artist Donald Judd filed a lawsuit against Kardashian this week, claiming the fashion and beauty mogul promoted 'cheap knockoffs' of his furniture designs.
Where is the worst place for allergy sufferers in Canada?
The spring allergy season has started early in many parts of Canada, with high levels of pollen in some cities already. Experts weigh in on which areas have it worse so far this season.
Louis Gossett Jr., 1st Black man to win supporting actor Oscar, dies at 87
Louis Gossett Jr., the first Black man to win a supporting actor Oscar and an Emmy winner for his role in the seminal TV miniseries 'Roots,' has died. He was 87.