万锦市将建安全毒品注射屋？“子虚乌有”还是“反映民意”？（一）万锦市市长薛家平的声明：“这绝非真的”

Remarks by Mayor Frank Scarpitti

Press Conference to Clarify Misinformation and Rumours About Safe Injections Sites in Markham
October 25, 2016
Markham Civic Centre

 

Good morning everyone and thank you for joining us for this important media briefing on such short notice.
I called this press conference today, and asked the York Region Associate Medical Officer of Health - Dr. Richard Gould to join me, to address an important issue that just came to our attention.
And that is the misinformation and inaccurate reporting of a safe injection site being considered for Markham.
This was discussed at our Development Services meeting with Council members yesterday morning, and the level of concern about the misinformation circulating in our community, especially the Chinese community prompted me to call this press conference today.
In late September the federal member for Markham-Unionville (Bob Saroya) sent a letter that was subsequently picked up by one of our local Chinese media.
That letter, and the reporting by the media, has left many readers and residents of Markham thinking that a safe (drug) injection site might be located in Markham.
This is simply not true - and we wish to address this misinformation today and ensure everyone has the facts.
Federal law governing safe-injection sites, which was passed by the previous Conservative government, requires facilities to apply for exemptions from Health Canada under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
In fact the identification and location of Safe Injection sites is based on need, and has to be supported by a wide range of documentation - including letters of opinion by a number of entities including the Ministers of Public Health and Safety, the Chief Medical Officer, local government, the Chief of Police, and professional colleges.
Let me assure there that there are no such letters of opinion in place related to Markham.
In fact, our own York Region Chief Medical Officer has no knowledge that there is a need in Markham for this, nor has he been consulted about a letter of opinion to state as much.
So I have to question why a local member of parliament would go on record to suggest that Markham was somehow being considered for such a facility.
Even if there were letters of opinion providing advice about the need for a safe injection site in Markham - there is a strict requirement for extensive public consultation beforehand.

Unfortunately the letter from the local MP for Markham-Unionville has served to perpetuate a perception and fear mongering that is completely at odds with the reality of need and circumstances in Markham.
And, it ignores and misrepresents the process undertaken at a federal level -- a process the local federal member should be familiar with.
Municipalities do not have the legal ability to prevent such sites, but if a site was recommended for Markham it would be required to comply with provincial and federal regulations, and would certainly not be located near any sensitive public institutions such as schools.
There are only a limited number of safe injection sites considered for Canada based on need, and in the opinion of York Region Medical Health – there is no need in Markham.
As I mentioned, the legal operation of a Safe Injection Site in Canada requires an exemption under section 56.1 (2) of the Controlled Drugs & Substances Act (CDSA), which is granted by the federal Minister of Health. The exemption application includes an extensive list of documentation and letters of opinion from various stakeholders, including the municipal government.
Unfortunately, the letter written by the local member was reported in the local Chinese media, and it has since caused a great deal of concern in that community.
It was for that reason we extended a special invitation to the Chinese media today.
So before I introduce Dr. Gould let me emphasize and repeat:
• There is no identified need for this in Markham
• There is an extensive process to establish that need.
• Markham would be requested to confirm that need and we have not been advised to do so as part of that process.
• The process is administered by the Federal government.
• And there would be extensive public consultation ahead of time.
Markham Council has invited Mr. Saroya to attend a Markham Council meeting to discuss his understanding of the legislation, and to provide any information he has on any proposed sites in Markham.
In the meantime, I hope all the media here today will ensure that the real facts of this situation are reported for the benefit of our residents.
Thank you.