The provincial government is committed to strengthening mental health and addictions programs in northwestern Ontario.
That pledge comes from Associate Minister Michael Tibollo.
Tibollo stresses his ear is open on what needs to happen to spark change.
“Our solutions are not going to come from ivory towers, or Bay Street, or Queen’s Park for that matter. We can implement change but that change has to come from people who have lived the experience, who understand the needs of the people.”
Tibollo adds “I’ve learned the province is so big that what works in Toronto doesn’t necessarily work in Kenora, or Dryden or other cities. So we need to hear from the people because that is how we are going to develop a strategy that’s going to be perfect for the area that we are trying to help.”
Tibollo stresses he’s listening.
“I’m all ears. So is Minister Greg Rickford. We will do what needs to be done to help the people. Ensure that we have same quality of services for everyone regardless of where you live in the province.”
Tibollo says input from the far north is a big part of any future planning.
“Indigenous communities need supports that Indigenous communities want, understand and will accept. There’s no point of us telling Indigenous communities, or any community for that matter, what we think the solution is. The solution has come from there.”
Tibollo notes one barrier holding people back in the north is a lack of affordable housing.
“When people transition out (out of correctional facilities) a lot of time they live on the street. They don’t know how to go back to their own towns or their own homes or they don’t have a home. So it’s important that we create a network of safe beds and transitional housing.”
