Madam Speaker, a pandemic that has taken more lives than COVID is ravaging British Columbia. I speak of the opioid crisis. More than 1,700 people have died from opioids. In Maple Ridge alone, 500 have overdosed.
Keeping people alive is critical, but helping them get a new life is so much better. That is what recovery is all about.
Despite a lack of federal leadership, there are still some excellent supports in my riding of Pitt Meadows—Maple Ridge. InnerVisions has two facilities. Hannah House for women and Miller House for men have combined 80 beds. Hope for Freedom is seeing great results at its lodge. The Salvation Army has an excellent Genesis recovery program.
I want to recognize the staff and hard work being done at the Maple Ridge Treatment Centre. The One Way Club and Celebrate Recovery also help those struggling with addictions.
These organizations are mainly non-profits that need our support as they provide life-changing support for so many.