Squamish is a town full of people who step up in a myriad of ways. We volunteer, we gather at municipal hall to say our piece and we take to the streets when we have to.
It is time for change at the provincial level and Squamish residents can lead the way in honour of the precious daughters and sons we have lost to drugs.
Since The Chief published the story about Squamish student Steffanie Lawrence’s death from a fentanyl overdose Jan. 22, and her parents’ tireless and futile efforts to have their daughter admitted for treatment less than two days before her death, this paper has been inundated with heartbreaking letters from parents and grandparents who faced or are facing the same struggle. Some of those letters we published this week. Others that are equally powerful fill our inboxes.
These letters are replete with proof of unending love matched only by a painful sense of helplessness.
When parents need help for their kids — when they beg for it — in order to keep their children alive, that help should be there.
The provincial government needs to move thoughtfully, but swiftly, to fill the gaping holes in its mental health and addictions supports for youth.
British Columbia’s Representative for Children and Youth — a non-partisan, independent officer of the Legislature — has been calling for change for years. In report after report, successive representatives have concluded the government needs to “develop and fund a comprehensive system of substance use services capable of consistently meeting the diverse needs of youth and their families across B.C.”
That is step one.
Step two, there needs to be secure care legislation that allows loving parents to have their children who are in imminent danger, involuntarily committed for treatment.
Over the years, provincial governments have come close to changing the legislation, but have been stalled by politicking and fear of getting it wrong.
Therefore, to create a secure care act the current government must consult widely with parents, Indigenous leaders and child and youth advocacy groups, to create legislation that truly protects troubled kids and supports their families.
It is already too late for so many in our community, but there are many more who might be saved, if change is swift.
Leaders of this newly minted, NDP-led government have said they are different and they want to do what is right. Let’s see if they are brave enough to act in the name of our kids.
To advocate for what is outlined here, write to Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Judy Darcy ([email protected]) and tell her Squamish wants change and soon — for our children’s sakes.
