By Cecilia Nasmith/Today’s Northumberland
Cobourg Councillor Adam Bureau shared his personal story at council’s committee-of-the-whole meeting this week to explain his passion for combating the opioid epidemic.
The result will be a round-table event Oct. 1 at Venture 13 that Bureau hopes will result in some solid strategies to save lives.
The councillor previously spoke of his wish to partner with the community’s first responders – along with a Northumberland County representative and Northumberland-Peterborough South MP Kim Rudd and MPP David Piccini – to set up these facilitated discussions to develop some initiatives to combat drug dependency.
“I want our citizens to know we as councillors are listening with regards to the opioid crisis our town is currently experiencing,” Bureau said.
“We care about all the citizens of Cobourg, not just the privileged or middle-class, but everyone.
Bureau was prescribed oxycontin after a 2002 car accident, and became addicted.
“It’s a story we hear far too often, and something that has become way too common,” he said.
“I consider myself to be one of the lucky ones, as I was able to overcome my addiction, but I could just as easily not have been so lucky.
“We are dealing with homelessness, theft and, worst of all, overdosing, all because of opioid addiction.”
The Cobourg Police Service has had some recent significant busts, he added. But as Chief Paul VandeGraaf said, we cannot arrest ourselves out of the problem.
“We need to show the citizens of Cobourg this council cares, and we are here for them.”
Panel members had been chosen for their involvement on the front lines of the crisis. Councillor Nicole Beatty made an amendment to put a few more parties at the table – a representative of Northumberland Hills Hospital Mental Health Services, the Fourcast Addiction Services, the Greenwood Coalition and two individuals with lived experience.
Bureau liked the suggestions and Beatty’s amendment, and then the motion, were passed.
Adam Bureau’s Speech
I have brought this motion here today because I want our citizens to know that we, as council, are listening with regards to the opioid crisis our town is currently experiencing. We care about all of the people of Cobourg, not just the privileged or the middle class, but everyone! This crisis affects people in all walks of life and it knows no boundaries.
This particular issue has affected me personally. I recently shared my story, about my addiction to opioids, on Robert Washburn’s radio show. My addiction began in 2002 when after experiencing a horrific car accident, I was prescribed OxyContin for pain by my family doctor, a prescription which I very quickly became addicted to. The story of addictions like mine is something that we hear of far too often and something that has become way too common. I consider myself to be one of the lucky ones, since in my case I was able to overcome my addiction; but I could have just as easily not been so lucky.
The citizens of Cobourg need our help now. Cobourg is dealing with homelessness and theft, and worse overdosing, all because of opioid addiction. We are losing our sons, daughters, mothers and fathers on a weekly basis to this drug. WE NEED TO TAKE A STAND. We need to show the people of Cobourg that this council cares and we are here for them. I believe the best way to start the fight is from the top. With the permission of this council, I would like to form partnerships with all levels of government also including the police, fire, EMS and community groups. Being on the frontline, I feel that they are the ones who will know best what we can do and what works. I also know that you, my colleagues, may have ideas or want to be involved and I welcome that because I know each and every one of you love the people of Cobourg as much as I do.
We can no longer sit idly by while this vicious disease called addiction rips out the heart of this community. The time is now to take real and tangible steps to end this crisis.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
