PATCH 4 PATCH TO BECOME LAW IN ONTARIO
December 7, 2015QUEEN’S PARK – The Patch 4 Patch solution developed in North Bay to curb the growing trend of fentanyl abuse is about to become law in Ontario.
Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli’s Bill 33, the Safeguarding Our Communities Act, which incorporates the Patch 4 Patch program, received all-party support on Third and Final Reading today in the Ontario Legislature.
“I’m so pleased to see that members of the Legislature of all stripes recognized the value and importance of this bill,” said an elated Fedeli.
“Since the partners in our community implemented Patch 4 Patch, we’ve gone over a year without a fentanyl-related death in North Bay,” Fedeli said.
“This program is working, and it will save lives across this province and help the most vulnerable people in Ontario.”
During Third Reading debate, Fedeli paid special tribute to Pat Cliche of the North Bay Anti-Drug Strategy, and North Bay Police Detective Constables Brad Reaume & Tom Robertson, who have pioneered the Patch 4 Patch program.
Bill 33 is expected to receive Royal Assent in the near future, with some sections of the bill to be proclaimed into law within six months.
“I’m truly thrilled that a solution developed at home in Nipissing will now be making a positive difference in the lives of all Ontarians and in communities across our province,” said Fedeli.
Video of MPP Fedeli’s Third Reading remarks can be found online here: https://youtu.be/19Td1h8YMUE
More at http://patch4patch.ca