[Crown Royal]

I usually avoid political topics but perhaps I have a unique perspective on this particular situation, especially in regards to the safe consumption site (SCS) in Lethbridge.

I have been working as an overnight security guard in Lethbridge for some time now, the place I am stationed, a 24 hour business is within walking distance of the SCS and homeless shelter. The reason they have security is because of addicts coming in and trying to get high in the washrooms, stairwells and anywhere else they can find.

My station there began prior to the SCS opening and prior to it opening I would kick out addicts 3-4 times a night on average, since it opened and went 24 hours it is down to 3-4 per week on average. These addicts can become extremely agitated if you confront them and try to get them to leave the property before they can get their fix. I couldn't tell you the number of times that I have had my life threatened by an addict for simply asking them to leave. I have been assaulted and had weapons pulled on me, I am currently on long term disability as a result of an addict stabbing me for asking him to leave.

I have also witnessed multiple deaths and revivals from overdoses, since the opening of the SCS, I have only witnessed one overdose death, compared to three in the year prior.

Frankly, I don't give a #### what happens to these addicts, if they wanted to throw them on a boat and sink it, I'd be fine with that. That said, the SCS being open makes it safer for people working within walking distance. If the site in Lethbridge were to be closed, it would result in 300+ people a day seeking out new places to get high, which means they are going into businesses to try and get high. Which will absolutely result in the death (probably several per year) of a worker in one of those businesses eventually for doing no more than asking someone to leave.

Another thing to consider is emergency services. Even if the SCS is not saving the lives of addicts, they are saving the lives of the rest of us. SCS have people on staff to deal with overdoses. If they do not exist, the addicts will be more spread out and paramedics and police will become more spread out to deal with overdoses and calls to police about addicts that won't leave certain places. This will result in longer wait times for medics and police for the rest of us when we have an emergency.