Chilliwack – The consequences of B.C.’s open-drug use crisis are no longer confined to the street: an 11-year-old girl was hospitalized after being allegedly exposed to fentanyl and meth smoke while playing in her backyard.
The girl lives next to two supportive housing buildings where people were openly smoking hard drugs. She was taken to Chilliwack General Hospital, where her father says she was treated for drug exposure and has since recovered.
No child should have to worry about an accidental overdose while playing outside. But after years of NDP policies that have tolerated open drug use, families are being forced to tangle with this reality.
“A little girl ended up in the hospital because adults were allegedly smoking fentanyl and methamphetamine next to her home,” said Claire Rattée, Shadow Minister for Mental Health, Addictions, and Social Housing. “No family should have to live with that fear. An incident like this should force the government to ask some very basic questions about how we are running supportive housing in this province. Supportive housing should provide stability and safety—not expose children, families and neighbours to drugs.”
Whether it’s syringes in public spaces or accidental exposure to drugs, this shouldn’t be the new normal.
“First and foremost, I’m relieved this young girl has made a full recovery,” said Heather Maahs, Interim Leader of the Official Opposition and MLA for Chilliwack North. “But the open drug use at these supportive housing buildings in Chilliwack is deeply troubling. This is a stark reminder that open drug use can put anyone’s life at risk. The NDP needs to take this seriously, enforce the law and do more to protect families in Chilliwack.”
