Addressing Homelessness Letter
A letter from Phil Harrison and Donna Coulson expressing concerns about the visible increase in unhoused people and the impact on medical services.
Phil Harrison, 1204 Wilkinson Road, Comox, B.C. V9M4B8
Donna Coulson, 880 View Ave. Courtenay, B.C. V9N5A1
April 20/23.
Dear SID TOBIAS,
We are very concerned about the visible increase of unhoused people in our community.
As seniors, we need access to medical services. We know that the increased number of unhoused, living in unsanitary conditions, will put more pressure on medical services and our hospital.
Although the Province has announced some steps to address violent, repeat offenders in 12 B.C. cities, this will likely increase unhoused migration to communities left out of this approach. This, combined with the B.C. hard drug possession policy is certain to attract more troubled people, from other Provinces to our communities. We see this, the number of unhoused continue to increase.
We ask that Vancouver Island Mayors lobby our Premier for a significant change in addressing the unhoused. The attached article suggests a compassionate, but accountable common sense approach, which requires legislation and resources.
We urge Vancouver Island mayors to work together to protect the safety and health of their tax paying citizens and improve the lives of those unhoused.
Sincerely,
Phil Harrison Donna Coulson
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