SIOUX LOOKOUT, ON – The Ontario government has announced funding for 37 new addictions treatment beds in the Sioux Lookout region.
Just over $4 million from the province's Addictions Recovery Fund will cover the cost of operating 15 addictions treatment beds, 16 supportive treatment beds, and six withdrawal management beds.
Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Michael Tibollo anounced the funding Tuesday, saying it was being provided to the Sioux Lookout Friendship Accord Economic Development Corporation.
The corporation was founded in 2017 and includes the Municipality of Sioux Lookout, Lac Seul First Nation, Cat Lake First Nation and Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation.
"As well as in-community needs, our role as a hub community multiplies issues in Sioux Lookout and underscores that services need to be culturally appropriate," said Mayor Doug Lawrance. "This funding can only improve the opportunity for all of us to live with dignity."
Jacob Dockstator, executive director of the Sioux Lookout Friendship Accord EDC, said the funding will help provide "the tools we need to build healthy communities."
The announcement came a day after the government announced funding for 34 addictions treatment beds in Thunder Bay.
Studies have shown that opioid-related deaths in Ontario surged by 79 per cent in the first two waves of the COVID-19 pandemic, with rates being three times higher in Northern Ontario.
