Steve Soos is pleased with certain measures, but wants more help for minorities, and more provincial and federal assistance
A homeless advocate and former drug addict is not giving up in his quest for more federal and provincial help for the Niagara region.
Steven Soos stood before the region recently, indicating more medical professionals are needed in reaching the homeless.
But, he adds anyone who's been homeless will make a big difference. "In Thorold, I asked for security guards to be recognized as first responders, to get them protection as well, because they're dealing with the issues of mental health, homelessness and addiction, being contracted out to municipalities."
He applauds the NRPS for getting on board with Community Watch programs.
However, he's not happy with the amount of progress made.
While Soos applauds some efforts, he says visible minorities suffer the brunt of problems. He points out for Metis people such as himself, the suicide rate is double. "This is alarming, and yes, I have congratulated Welland council on certain things, like declaring the State of Emergency. But, I question why it took them so long to inform the provincial emergency operation centre."
He'll keep pushing for federal and provincial help to get addiction services in hospitals and walkin clinics.
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