By Stephanie Kinsella
Councillor Alex Munter is asking provincial Finance Minister Jim Flaherty to put his money where his mouth is and give Ottawa’s detox centre its first funding increase in 10 years.
Flaherty came under attack last month after stating homeless people with drug or alcohol problems “pose a danger to themselves and others” and said extra police would be hired to ensure that the homeless have other alternatives to living on the streets, such as crisis shelters, hospitals or even jail. He said he also wants to provide treatment for those who are mentally ill or battling addictions.
The Ottawa detox centre, known as the Ottawa Withdrawal Management Centre, operates on a first come, first served basis and sees about 4,000 people every year. The centre holds only 26 beds, which results in up to 100 people being turned away each month.
Munter recently sent a letter to Flaherty saying that if he is truly serious about helping the homeless, he will provide Ottawa’s only detox centre with more funds than its current budget of about $854,000 so it can continue to offer its services to those who need it most.
“The detox centre ends up helping some of the most down and out folks in the community,” said Munter. “But it can’t handle those already there, let alone the ones that Mr. Flaherty wants to frog-march in there.”
Virginia Hamilton, executive director of the detox centre, said while the centre’s funding has not increased, other expenses such as food and building operation costs have gone up considerably.
“We’re doing our very best to rise to the challenge of those coming to us, but not having an increase in the last 10 years is really starting to be felt,” Hamilton said.
She said the detox centre, which employs 24 staff, offers addiction counselling, support and shelter to its residents.
“We are the only centre of this nature in Ottawa,” Hamilton said. “We want more support to ensure we can continue to provide the services we do and the quality we’re known for.”
Dan Robinson, Flaherty’s campaign spokesperson, would not comment specifically on Ottawa’s detox centre, but said the minister will definitely follow through on his plans to help the homeless.
“Right now there’s no recourse to get people off the street who have a severe drug and alcohol problem, “ Robinson said. “Mr. Flaherty is committed to providing funding and resources which would allow those living in the street to get help,” Robinson said.
But Flaherty’s critics argue he is trying to make homelessness illegal. Munter agrees that his plan of sweeping the homeless off the street is “silly and impractical” but said it could result in a positive outcome by drawing attention to the large number of people living on the street.
“What it has done is generate a debate about solutions for the homeless,” said Munter. “If there’s any degree of credibility in what he says, then we will see more funding.”