Safe Streets, Stronger Communities:
I lost my brother to fentanyl and I am painfully aware of how the opioid epidemic affects every single one of us.
Ward Papastew deserves to be safe, livable, and welcoming for everyone. I will prioritize:
- Strengthening relationships with bylaw enforcement and community peace officers, ensuring a constant dialogue between those that are concerned and those that want to help.
- Targeting hot spots and key areas, such as transit, to ensure visible presence of front-line officers and better utilizing the Human-centred Engagement and Liaison Partnership Unit branch of the EPS.
- We've seen the success of these units and the difference that the specialized supports social workers provide. We need to expand these supports across the ward.
- We are in the midst of an opioid epidemic and we need to continue as a city to provide services and supports to people with homelessness, mental health and addiction issues.
- Healthcare is a Provincial concern and supportive housing will need to be a cooperative effort between all levels of government. In order to effectively support our communities, we must establish a professional relationship with the Province. Ideology is getting in the way. It is the job of council to work with all levels of government.
I am committed to working with service providers, EPS, and those with lived experience to ensure no other family goes through what mine did. I want to make sure everyone feels safe to walk down the streets, use transit, and play in the parks across our beautiful ward. As your next city councillor, that will be my priority.