Yao raises drug use concerns about Tawâw denied by RMWB, Indigenous leaders

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UCP MLA Tany Yao says he has heard concerns about drug abuse at Tawâw, a supportive housing program focusing on chronically homeless Indigenous people in downtown Fort McMurray.

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The Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo MLA said in the Alberta Legislature on Nov. 7 these concerns are shared by officials at the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB).

But Mayor Sandy Bowman has told Premier Danielle Smith the RMWB is happy with the facility and denies any municipal official shares Yao’s concerns. Tawâw’s leaders say they do not tolerate drug use at the facility. Indigenous leaders have also criticized Yao’s comments as reckless.

“As a former frontline paramedic who has had to deal with drug abuse, I have a pretty low tolerance for it. Based on what people have been telling me, I do have concerns about what was happening in or near the site,” said Yao in an interview.

Yao told Mental Health and Addictions Minister Dan Williams in the legislature “concerns have been raised about the misuse of supportive housing for drug-related activities” and he had “confirmed this with my own municipal officials” the previous day.

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“Given that with AHS funding, nurses are at these facilities and it raises the question about their intended purpose, could the minister address these concerns and provide assurances that our housing initiatives will prioritize safety and well-being for all community members,” asked Yao,

“If there are services that are continuing to encourage drug use over recovery, we’re going to have some changes with the alignment of those services and the delivery in the community,” said Williams.

“I do regret using the name of the institution, but I don’t regret asking the question because I do have real concerns” Yao said in an interview.

“Since the inception of this facility, I was given an early heads up by some people I trust greatly and have been just trying to do some casual inquiries over the course of the year.”

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Tawâw leadership denies sanctioning drug use

Jo-Anne Packham of the Wood Buffalo Wellness Society (WBWS), which oversees Tawâw, said her reaction to Yao’s comments were “utter shock and disbelief,” and dismissed stories of frequent drug abuse at the facility as rumours.

“The rooms are searched several times a day. The rooms are cleaned by staff with them to develop life skills. We do room checks hourly. Drugs are not allowed on the property. Weapons and paraphernalia are not allowed,” said Packham.

“It also puts our staff at risk. Responding to an overdose and administering Naloxone or CPR is traumatizing for our staff, most of whom are not nurses.”

She also said the province plans to reduce their funding and blamed Yao. Yao denied this, but said a funding request made by Tawâw is frozen as Alberta Health Services is restructured.

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Tawâw prioritizes people who are chronically homeless. Nearly all clients arrive suffering from addictions, psychosis, and mental and emotional health issues. Many have been kicked out of other shelters and treatment programs in Fort McMurray, and have been frequently arrested or hospitalized. Some clients lived in an encampment cleared by the RMWB last summer.

Packham said the program has helped stop the formation of new large encampments. She estimates a 90 per cent drop in Tawâw residents accessing medical services or having encounters with the police and justice system. She also says demand is growing locally.

There have been overdoses at the facility, but Packham said they happened as the person arrived at the facility. When drugs are found on site, staff and residents come together to discuss next steps. Residents have been kicked out when they frequently ignore the rules. Packham said staff regularly report suspected drug dealers in the area to Wood Buffalo RCMP.

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Bowman, Indigenous leaders defend Tawâw

Bowman’s letter to Smith called Yao’s comments “harmful and cast an unfair and negative light on a proven Indigenous program.” He also argued data reported to the province prove the program is working.

“To be clear, I am not aware of any official statement of concern or confirmation from the municipality regarding alleged drug related activity at the Tawâw Housing Initiative,” said Bowman.

“Without this program, these individuals face a high likelihood of returning to homelessness, never being housed from existing encampments, increasing their reliance on emergency systems, and placing them at greater risk of death.”

Janelle Fleury, the RMWB’s manager of Community Partnerships and Initiatives, said in a statement the RMWB is “committed to our funding partnership” with WBWS and called Tawâw’s success “critical” in fighting homelessness.

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Chief Allan Adam of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation accused Yao of pitting different social profits against each other. Kelly Myers, president of McMurray Metis, has asked for a meeting with Williams and called Yao’s comments “misinformation.”

Yao said he has not visited Tawâw, but has tried to do so in recent months. When told Packham’s responses, Yao said “if that’s the case than that’s fantastic and there shouldn’t be any issues or concerns.” However, he insists there are residents and RMWB officials sharing his concerns.

“I have been trying to do some investigations on it over the months and had my discussions with the municipality about it. I know they’re aware of the same concerns because they’re hearing the same things as me, although I can’t speak for the municipality,” said Yao.

“I’ve been told time and time again this is purely a housing facility for Indigenous homeless people, and I can’t think of anyone who wouldn’t support that. I support that. But I have concerns that were raised by constituents and I hope those issues can be resolved.”

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vmcdermott@postmedia.com

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