A candidate for the leadership of the provincial Progressive Conservative Party is calling a spike in overdose deaths caused by Fentanyl-laced cocaine, a “crisis.”
Reports indicate that more overdose and drug-poisoning deaths have occurred in recent days.
Tina Olivero, who lost her 20-year-old son Ben to Fentanyl-laced cocaine earlier this month, has a rally planned at Confederation Building this coming Wednesday calling for greater action to address the drug crisis.
Eugene Manning told VOCM Open Line with Paddy Daly that while he believes everyone is trying their best in addressing addictions, mental health, treatment, cost of living issues and crime, the compounded problem needs to be addressed using a multi-pronged approach.
The problem affects all parts of society says Manning, he thinks there needs to be more open discussion about it.
His own wife mentioned getting a Naloxone kit to help people in his area who “are obviously in the depths of addiction, and suffering.” He applauded the Newfoundland Embassy who are offering a Naloxone training session in connection with Thrive and Eastern Health.
Manning is one of three people vying for the PC Leadership. Tony Wakeham and Lloyd Parrott are also in the running for the party’s top job.