The Elmvale Acres Community Association (EACA), in collaboration with the Canterbury Community Association (CCA) is very pleased to announce that it has confirmed Senator Vernon White and Ms. Leila Attar to headline a fentanyl awareness session, to be held on Friday September 22 at 7:30pm, at the Canterbury Community Centre (see poster beiow).

The devastating impacts of fentanyl and opioid addiction are well known. Better understanding the links between mental illness and addiction as well as enhanced education and prevention efforts for parents and youth are some of the key measures required to combat this growing problem. This event will focus on these and other key initiatives while sharing a message of hope and inspiration.
 
The impetus for the session began earlier this summer when EACA President Mr. Kevin Kit and CCA President Mr. John Marshall attended a meeting with Mayor Mr. Jim Watson and other community leaders where the fentanyl crisis was discussed.  At this meeting Mr. Kit stated that “In order to stand up to fentanyl and affect change in our cities, we must first look into our communities and bring awareness to both youth and parents.” 
 
Senator Vernon White brings a very unique perspective to this discussion – from his current role as a legislator in the Senate of Canada and as Ottawa’s former Chief of Police. Senator White’s work has been instrumental in helping to combat the opioid crisis. Specifically, he introduced in the Senate Bill S-225, An Act to amend the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (substances used in the production of fentanyl). Bill S-225 will add to the list of precursors those ingredients used in the manufacture of Fentanyl in order to combat the growing problem of Fentanyl manufactured illegally.

Ms. Leila Attar is an opioid survivor and advocate. She recently returned to Ottawa from a cross-Canada tour where she raised awareness about the dangers of fentanyl.  “I think the biggest thing to know is that everyone struggles,” she said. “That’s (the) huge thing with addiction... people feel so alone and dark with it. They need to hear that there’s a way to step out of it and recognize your problems.”

Both Mr. Kit and Mr. Marshall believe that community leaders and moreover community associations, have an important role to play in “getting the message out at the grassroots level”.   Press is welcome at this event and admission is free. For more information and further details on the Let’s Stop Fentanyl session you may contact:

Kevin Kit, President Elmvale Acres Community Association

elmvaleacresCA@gmail.com