A long-time advocate for treatment and addictions is asking serious questions about plans to develop a $40 million shelter in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.
Simeon Tshakapesh wonders if the facility will address the issue related to people travelling to Goose Bay from the coast and living and drinking on trails in the woods surrounding the community.
He has had family members who have died for want of adequate shelter, and his own son made use of shelters, only up continue drinking, knowing he had a place to stay, at the end of the night.
Tshakapesh says he would like to see more public consultation on the matter and questions whether the $40 million might be better spent on programs in communities like Natuashish to help those living in addiction.
“What’s the safe house going to do for addicts?”, he asks it simply provides a bed to sleep in and a place to wash up and the addict goes right back out and start drinking again.
Tshakapesh has written to the Chiefs and Grand Chiefs of the Innu Nation Board Councils questioning the process and asking for greater public consultation.
Story courtesy of VOCM.