In 2010, Ontario’s Standing Committee on Mental Health and Addictions released their “Journey to Wellness” report. The AMHO (Addictions and Mental Health Ontario) was created to oversee the hundreds of agencies in Ontario providing care in a very piecemeal fashion after larger institutions were closed by the government. The AMHO has now released their own campaign called “Everything Is Not OK”, and is calling for changes to the current system. An on-line petition is associated with the campaign, however on-line petitions are not recognized or accepted as official petitions by the Government of Ontario. In the end, it’s possible that adding the AMHO to the top of the mix simply added yet another agency, another layer of bureaucracy, and a number of highly paid positions without garnering the success and results that were hoped for. (You will see below where and how you can sign a tangible, paper petition that will be presented to the Ontario Government asking for immediate and sweeping changes.) I also think it’s important that this comes from “the people of Ontario” – as in voters.
We need to take a huge step forward by reverting back, in a positive way, to a public institution centered system. One that has learned from its past mistakes – not simply abandoned the project and goals because of them. One that is proper, pertinent and compassion fueled. (I believe the Homewood Health Centre in Guelph provides a good example of what a public care institution(s) could be.) The plan needs to be comprehensive and include phases of supportive low-cost housing.
We must commit to breaking the cycle. We need to stop the enabling and encouraging of a lifestyle that should not be considered acceptable. To simply provide free needles, (with a goal of preventing the spread of HIV and hepatitis), and then leaving it up to the individual to find and support an illegal drug dealer, and hope the substance is not toxic to the point of being lethal, is unintelligible. And then to rely on the kindness of charities and volunteers to provide free meals and beds just so they can do it all over again the next day – if they’re alive – is incomprehensible. Our methods need to be directed toward goals of rehabilitation and curing – complete with proper care, opportunities and accountability.
Dear Ontario… it’s time to get this done. Please print out and fill in and sign the OFFICIAL PETITION and return to the address below. Once the petition is presented to the Legislative Assembly, the government must file a response within 24 sitting days of the presentation. Feel free to share with your friends and neighbours, or have the petition posted and available in your place of business. Organize an information booth and petition signing at your local market or event. Let’s let our provincial leaders know, loudly and clearly, that we expect and demand more… we need to be better than this. Much better.
Please save and print the blank petition form below. Return by September 28. Or email dkalichuk@rogers.com to request a blank PETITION form
Mail / Return signed petition forms: THANK YOU!
PETITION, 86 Gladstone Ave. St. Thomas, ON N5R 2M1
Questions: dkalichuk@rogers.com