Media Release

Louise Parkes, City Councillor Wards 5 & 6

For Immediate Release         

Monday, June 2, 2008

OSHAWA – I wish to express my deep disappointment that First Step Methadone Clinic has initiated this legal action. The statements the plaintiffs complain of were made during a radio interview requested of me to address legitimate issues surrounding methadone clinics that this City has been grappling with for several years. It is my belief that the lawsuit is without merit and represents an attempt to limit legitimate public debate with respect to issues surrounding the provision of methadone care in private, for profit clinics, not just in Oshawa but throughout Ontario. A full and complete defence will be mounted by my legal counsel in due course including seeking costs against the plaintiffs for pursuing this action.

The concerns I have expressed with respect to how methadone clinics are operated are well documented and shared by many academics and experts in the health care field. These include the size and location of methadone clinics, the absence of patient privacy in storefront operations, drug carry out policy and the inconsistency of counselling services.  In 2004 issues relating to the operation of methadone clinics were examined as part of a coroner’s inquest; however, many of the issues considered at that time continue to trouble us today.  

I was elected as a City Councillor to represent my constituents' interests and concerns and to fearlessly address important public issues involving this City. This is one of those issues. I will stand firm and defend my right as an elected official to advocate for change in this area. It's that simple. Ultimately, I am confident that the court will defend my right as an elected official to represent my constituents and address the concerns that exist about the provision of methadone services within this City and throughout Ontario.

With respect to the lawsuit, I will have no further comment while it remains outstanding.

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