Thread by @DShepYEG

Incredibly disappointed to hear such ignorant rhetoric from @jkenney on harm reduction & supervised consumption sites in #yql: lethbridgeherald.com/news/lethbridg… #ableg

As noted in the article, Kenney's comments run counter to #yql law enforcement, front line workers & local gov't, all of whom support the innovative, life-saving initiative. cbc.ca/news/canada/ca… #ableg

Before moving forward, the City of Lethbridge conducted research, visiting SCS sites in Europe. Sites in #yql will include addictions counselling, harm reduction supply distribution, nursing services. #ableg

So for @jkenney to suggest SCS sites simply "[help] addicts inject poison into their bodies" is ignorant at best and intentionally misleading at worst. #ableg

Equally ignorant is his suggestion that #yvr's increase in overdose deaths means @InsiteVan is failing:

“Based on the analysis of experts, deaths would have been much worse [w/o] those sites" - Vancouver Coastal Health’s Chief Medical Officer.

vancouversun.com/news/local-new… #ableg

In fact, local health officials "acknowledge that Insite, and its $3 million annual operating budget, doesn’t come close to cutting it any more"

news1130.com/2017/09/01/van…

So to meet the need, they're working to open three more sites:

vancouversun.com/news/local-new… #ableg

Perhaps @jkenney is still a bit sensitive that the Expert Advisory Committee appointed by the CPC gov't he served in found no increase in crime or drug use or crime & that @InsiteVan was actually saving taxpayers money: canada.ca/en/health-cana… #ableg

That government ignored the report choosing ideology over facts & prompting a court case & ruling which found that "Insite has been proven to save lives with no discernible negative impact on the public safety & health objectives of Canada"

theglobeandmail.com/news/british-c… #ableg

Supervised injection/consumption sites save lives by preventing overdose, infections & spread of blood-borne diseases like Hep C & HIV. These preventative steps also save on the health costs of treatment for those diseases. #ableg

SIS/SCS help remove drug use from our alleys, streets & other public places & reduce needle debris. #ableg

And SIS/SCS provide referrals to addiction treatment & opioid replacement programs, mental & physical health supports & connection to social services, provided by people with whom users have built a relationship of trust. #ableg

.@jkenney has no facts on this issue. He has no evidence or expertise. I invite him to overcome his ideological opposition & speak to those w/ knowledge & experience like @ehyshka, or staff at @StreetworksAB or the Royal Alex Hospital. #ableg

I'm proud to have worked with community partners & counterparts in all orders of gov't to bring SIS/SCS to Edmonton. And I stand in solidarity with leaders in #yql working to do the same. #ableg

Another point raised by @kyallNDP - multiple members of the UCP caucus spoke on the record in favour of SIS/SCS last year. Unfortunate that their leader is now betraying their better judgement. #ableg