I'd like to go back to my earlier comments related to methadone. We've had significant issues related to methadone clinics and risk to first nations communities.
I believe in methadone. It's an absolutely necessary part of the solution. But when the solution is absent of and disrespectful of first nations governance, who then have to carry the burden of risks related to methadone in that community, that, to me, is racism, as is telling first nations people that once you are on methadone, you are on methadone for the rest of your life, meaning you can no longer go home. You can't take your new children to meet their grandparents in the isolated remote community. You have to live in an urban environment, in poverty, outside of a family system of support. That's racism.
We have seen evidence where first nations people have been moved from methadone to Suboxone, to being opiate replacement therapy-free and living well in their communities. The connection to land, to people, their lineage, and their language, is critical for their overall wellness. I offer that as an example.