Canadian Opioid Crisis: Call to Arms for Mental Health Law Reviews by Ontario Mayors
In recent years, Canada has experienced an alarming rise in the number of opioid-related deaths and addictions, leading many to label this a national crisis. Ontario mayors, distressed by the escalating impact of the opioid crisis on their communities, are calling for changes to mental health laws to better address this dire issue. To further understand the ramifications, read the original piece provided by CTV news here.
Disturbing Effects of the Opioid Crisis
Falling victim to the opioids isn’t just about the addicted individuals, its vicious grip extends to the society as well. This public health crisis has given rise to a range of societal issues, from an increase in crime rates to swelling homeless populations. The homelessness problem is particularly evident in cities like Calgary, where the opioid crisis, inseparable from the surrounding adverse social circumstances, has led to increased encampments, homelessness and community concern.
Calgary Opioid Crisis
Calgary is one Canadian city that has been heavily affected by the opioid crisis, with recent reports citing elevated rates of crime and public disorder. This has stripped away the community’s peace of mind and overall safety, offering a stark example of how the widespread issue of opioid addiction impacts more than just those using the substances.
Abatement Class-Action
Lawyers in Calgary have launched a Canadian opioid abatement class action with an aim of holding pharmaceutical companies accountable for falsely promoting opioids as less addictive than they truly are. These companies contributed largely in escalating an already severe crisis and the lawsuit seeks their accountability in assisting to reduce the opioids crisis, in terms of both financial and societal costs.
Efforts to Combat the Opioid Crisis
In the wake of this severe ongoing problem, the mayors of both Calgary and Ontario have taken steps in an effort to bring about necessary changes. These include the following:
- Calling for amendment of mental health laws to permit timely and appropriate treatment.
- Formation of an inter-municipal task force to share resources and strategies.
- Advocating for governmental initiatives and funding to treat opioid addiction and mitigate its effects.
A potential game-changer in mitigating death rates caused by opioid overdose is an emergency medication called naloxone. However, wider availability and awareness of naloxone is still required in the communities affected to save lives threatened by opioid overdoses.
Conclusion
The opioid crisis in Canada is a complex and concerning issue. It requires concerted efforts from all levels of society and government. The current call for changes to mental health laws in Ontario implies a pressing need for treatment accessibility improvements. Indeed, legal recourse against pharmaceutical companies and efforts to enable and promote the use of naloxone are commendable, yet it serves as a reminder of the direness of this crisis.
In summary, the opioid crisis has its roots in health, socio-economic, and legal domains, and addressing it mandates a holistic, multifaceted approach. The Canadian society, from citizens to law practitioners and leaders to policymakers, must all do their part to reduce the impacts of the opioid crisis.
