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McLeod calls for action in opioid crisis

Bill C-307 would require opioids to have abuse deterrent formulations and tamper resistant properties

OTTAWA – Cathy McLeod, Member of Parliament for Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo focused on the crisis of opioid overdoses and deaths in Canada last week.

MP McLeod supported Bill C-307, which would require opioids to have abuse deterrent formulations and tamper resistant properties, and participated in the Opioid Conference last week in Ottawa that discussed the current problem of opioid misuse and identified potential ways forward.

“Canada and the U.S. are the world's heaviest opioid users, with the rate of overdoses and deaths increasing dramatically. In the past 10 months in British Columbia alone we have had 623 deaths; of those, 322 have been related to fentanyl. It is an issue that we are currently facing in our riding, it is devastating families and has taken far too many lives,” said McLeod.

At the Opioid Conference, McLeod joined with other public health experts, doctors and family members who have lost loved ones. Key discussions included reducing rates of addiction; front line experiences in British Columbia, Alberta and Quebec; treatment interventions and harm reductions.

 

“This issue is about public health and saving lives and Canadians are calling on the government to take action. I am committed to doing all I can to work towards finding solutions to this crisis. I’ve met with too many families lately who are suffering,” concluded McLeod.