This is welcome news to address one of the big issues facing our city (and every city) across the province and country.

While it has taken time for Chief Troung to be able to get this ready (officer understaffing, addressing 911 call times having to be done first, and then developing handoff protocols for these cases; had to all happen first), it gives me a sense of optimism today that at least in London we can start to get back on track. This will be a 3 pronged approach: starting with engagement, outreach and offers to help, but also with enforcement which can include arrests and seizure of the drugs.

Yes, there is a need for housing and a lack of mental health and rehab spaces (which your MPPs must address provincially). Still, we cannot ignore that there is an addiction crisis as well that has to be addressed and that by its nature causes public safety issues and does collateral damage harm to people and businesses who are themselves, innocent bystanders. This announcement is an important step toward stopping that.