Skeena's newly-elected B.C. Conservative Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) is looking forward to her role of lobbying the provincial government for more mental health and addictions services.
"Mental health and addictions were key components of my election platform, and I believe my passion and experience in these areas made this a natural fit," said Claire Rattée after being named as the critic for both by Conservative leader John Rustad.
"As someone who overcame significant struggles with mental health and addiction in my youth, I know how crucial support systems are for recovery and healing.
"Terrace has the second-highest rate of unregulated drug overdose deaths in the province, which shows how disproportionately affected our community is by this crisis. I’ve seen the devastating impact on families and the urgent need for effective solutions that prioritize treatment and recovery."
Rattée said she'll push for more services in rural and underserviced areas and will focus on the need to blend both into the broader health care system.
That follows changes the re-elected NDP government has made to ministries. Instead of one ministry for health and one for mental health and addictions that existed before, both have now been rolled into one.
Rattée described the NDP move toward decriminalization as "radical", saying there were no corresponding safeguards or treatment options.
"I will advocate for solutions focused on harm prevention, ensuring that we address the root causes of addiction while providing people with the tools and support they need to recover. Our communities deserve a balanced approach that prioritizes safety, compassion, and accountability," she said.
Terrace was already singled out by the NDP government prior to the October election as a place where involuntary treatment will be provided in both the new Ksyen Regional Hospital and the adjacent Seven Sisters mental health residence. And it also indicated a detox and treatment centre is being planned for the city.
"Stigma can make it challenging to foster understanding, but I believe a focus on accessible treatment and recovery centres along with wrap around services is essential to shifting public perception because everyone is looking for a solution right now, said Rattée.
"My own journey is proof that with the right support, people can turn their lives around."
