Sault candlelight vigil honours those lost to addiction
A vigil was held Tuesday evening in Sault Ste. Marie to remember those who have lost their lives to addiction.
The ceremony came as Algoma District finds itself near the top of the list of communities in the province being hardest hit by the opioid crisis in the province and amid a renewed calls to secure provincial funding for a day treatment centre in the Sault area.
The vigil was held at the memorial wall outside city hall, which contains the names of people who have died of addiction-related causes. Ahead of the ceremony, 18 more names were added to the wall ahead of the ceremony.
The founder of Save Our Young Adults (SOYA), Connie Raynor-Elliott, was joined by city Mayor Matthew Shoemaker during the event. They both said they will continue to advocate for more provincial dollars to help fight what they are calling a public health crisis.
“There’s going to be a lot more names, unfortunately. Even in the last few days, we did lose more people and people’s loved ones, it’s very horrendous,” said Raynor-Elliott.
“I do have hope. We are fighting and our city is fighting for the day treatment centre, which we desperately need.”
“Every day that goes by is another day where we are lacking services that they’ve got in North Bay and that they’ve got in other communities,” Shoemaker said.
“So, I’ve tried to impress that point upon our MPP and encourage him to do everything possible to assist in obtaining that funding.”
A residential withdrawal management facility is under construction in the area, with no opening date yet confirmed. The Sault Area Hospital has also submitted a request for funding relating to the day treatment centre.
For more information on their work in the community and vigil, visit SOYA’s Facebook page.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.