Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation declares state of emergency over opioid crisis – CBC

Dec 08, 2023

Opioid-related deaths on the rise in its county since pandemic began

The Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation has declared a state of emergency over the opioid crisis as overdoses and deaths continue to devastate the Ottawa Valley community.

“The community has become very concerned and have decided that enough is enough,” Chief Greg Sarazin told CBC Radio’s Ottawa Morning on Thursday.

Sarazin said the frequency of overdoses and deaths has been increasing year after year, affecting young and old alike.

By declaring a state of emergency, the community can now call for additional resources, services and funding before it becomes overwhelmed, Sarazin said.

Read More: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/algonquin-anishinabe-pikwakanagan-opioid-emergency-1.7052538