Cathie Roy called them "opinions posed as questions," Coast Reporter, June 5. Was, "what is your program success rate an opinion? No - it's a simple question that deserved an answer. How about, does the program include a methadone management component? At last Wednesday's meeting Ed Hill answered no VisionQuest is an abstinence only program. Upon reading the admittance rules, the program does allow Methadone treated clients. Information regarding bylaws was presented, and asked, why isn't the property following the rules? Mr. Hill answered that in fact everything was legal. Sunshine Coast Regional District planner Mark McMullen added, that the facility may not be up to code. Our frustration is coming from the lies we are being told.
Ed said that he was going to be dropping in on his way home (it was about 10 p.m). House rules state very clearly that visiting hours are 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, no exceptions. Hmmmm - yet again, breaking the rules?
The director of heath and social services for the Sechelt Indian Band (SIB) was there and spoke, acurrently practicing professional in this community, an educated man, someone who tried to support the program by can not any longer. He had more answers than the "spokesperson." He knew that VisionQuest has a 0/6 success rate with the SIB. That is scary. He knows that addictions' experts on the Coast don't support VisionQuest. That is scary.He knows that it is a disaster waiting to happen.
Maybe, we could form educated, and inclusive opinions if we had consistent information and credible sources and confirmed facts, then perhaps we wouldn't need to feel so scared and angry and start a process of education and awareness.
Sarah Hook
Gibsons
