Photo by William Crooks
Speakers at the press conference discussed the importance of community support in addressing the opioid crisis, sharing personal stories and highlighting local initiatives funded to combat addiction in the region

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

The Government of Canada and Quebec announced $2.5 million in funding to support addiction and overdose prevention initiatives across the Eastern Townships at a Nov. 14 press conference. The funding, intended to bolster community organizations dealing with substance abuse, will primarily support CAP Estrie, which provides treatment and shelter services to individuals struggling with substance use.

Sherbrooke MP Élisabeth Brière, who spoke at the press conference located on the site of CAP Estrie, highlighted the “tragic impacts of the opioid crisis” on Canadian communities. “The consequences of addiction are devastating for families, friends, and neighborhoods,” she said, stressing the need for a comprehensive approach. Brière explained that addiction “doesn’t have a single solution,” calling for a multi-faceted response to the problem.

In an interview after the event, Brière elaborated on the drug crisis facing Quebec, warning that “what happens in the West often makes its way here.” She shared details from a recent trip to Vancouver, where she witnessed the severe toll addiction has taken on the city. “I was on the streets for just 15 minutes and saw three ambulances arrive for overdoses,” she recounted. The core issue, she added, is “the toxicity of the drugs,” particularly those laced with fentanyl and other dangerous synthetic chemicals. According to Brière, Quebec must be proactive to avoid a similar crisis, with increased funding aimed at prevention, treatment, and risk reduction.

Of the $2.5 million investment, CAP Estrie will receive over $700,000 to enhance its treatment and shelter options, according to a related release. This boost will allow CAP Estrie to expand support for individuals needing long-term care. “The services CAP Estrie offers are vital,” Brière stated. “They provide the community access to life-saving services for people who often have nowhere else to turn.” Additional funding will go to four other organizations: the Centre Jean-Patrice Chiasson, Cellule Jeune et Familles of Brome-Missisquoi, Centre Providence Granby, and Partage Notre-Dame, each of which provides critical support services across the region.

A particularly emotional moment at the press conference came when a mother who lost her daughter to an overdose six months ago shared her story. The daughter, described by the mother as a “vibrant and creative” young woman, had struggled with substance use and issues around gender identity and sexual orientation. “[She] was determined to improve her life,” said the mother, recounting how her daughter found stability and hope through CAP Estrie.

“The care and encouragement she received there made her feel seen and valued,” she shared, noting how the organization supported her daughter in her journey of self-affirmation. Despite the support, the daughter ultimately lost her battle with addiction, a tragedy her mother hopes to prevent for others. “We need to be a community that listens, that supports our vulnerable members,” she urged, underscoring the need for adaptable care options and better parental support.

Brière also discussed the broader factors contributing to addiction, noting that it often affects people across socio-economic backgrounds. “Addiction isn’t limited to any one group. It could be your neighbor, a friend, or even a family member,” she said. While not exclusive to people experiencing homelessness, substance use can be exacerbated by a lack of housing and employment opportunities, leading individuals down a precarious path.

In addition to funding for CAP Estrie, the $86.8 million Canada-Quebec agreement will allocate resources to various regions across Quebec, where more than 96 projects will tackle addiction, from overdose prevention to long-term recovery. The program’s goal, Brière explained, is to provide a full spectrum of services, from immediate harm reduction to sustainable recovery options. She emphasized the role of local organizations like CAP Estrie, which are “on the front lines” of the crisis and uniquely positioned to understand and address community-specific needs.

“Supporting these organizations isn’t just about saving lives,” Brière said, “it’s about building a future where fewer families have to suffer the pain of losing someone to overdose.”