Nathan, today I am writing this blog post as a heartfelt reply to your recent Facebook post. It deeply moved me to witness the selflessness and bravery you displayed when you helped a homeless individual who was mistreated by the police. Despite the challenges you faced, including being voted out as City Councillor for daring to run for mayor, your unwavering commitment to our community shines through. It saddens me that some people fail to see the lens through which you operate, criticizing you for wearing a tank top at city council meetings without understanding the powerful statement you were making about bodily autonomy. But to those who truly understand and appreciate your efforts, including myself, your actions speak louder than words. You deserve more recognition than just a Facebook reply for the commendable insights and invaluable help you provide to our community. While I may not always agree with everything you say, I firmly believe in the power of action, and you consistently demonstrate that you are doing what is right. Thank you for being an inspiration to us all.
Nathan Colquhoun's Facebook today read:
I must clarify that the issue of their births not being registered was not due to any fault of my sister, as she had them at the hospital. It was a result of challenges within the social work system and the coordination between the hospital and the system. These bureaucratic hurdles serve as a stark reminder of the pressing need to improve our systems and provide better support for families in similar circumstances.
I am also aware of your tireless efforts as a one-man advocate, fighting for change and standing up for those who are often overlooked. Unfortunately, in our conservative and old-fashioned town, your dedication may sometimes be misunderstood, and you may even be seen as a bit of an outsider. However, I want to emphasize that I am proud of you for breaking free from the patriarchal norms that persist in our community. Your unique perspective and commitment to bringing about positive change have been instrumental in shedding light on the problems our city has long faced. Your dedication to advocating for underrepresented individuals is truly commendable, and I appreciate your efforts in caring for the intersectional needs of our community. Your tireless efforts don’t go unnoticed and many individuals should feel inspired by your public service, especially other men.
Given our shared concerns, I would love to invite you for a beer (I know a family-friendly place!) so we can have a personal and open discussion about the pressing issues in our community. The homelessness crisis, addiction crisis, and the imminent surge of domestic violence are deeply troubling. Our resources are already stretched thin, and it is clear that we need to find innovative solutions to address these challenges. I would love to attend your Conversation events, however, with my new life of motherhood, a daytime conversation would be beneficial, as I am a party of one in these precious little lives.
One potential solution we should explore is the possibility of creating a safe consumption site. Such a site could provide a dedicated space where individuals struggling with addiction can safely consume substances under supervision, while also gaining access to resources, support, and harm-reduction services. This approach would have several positive impacts on our community.
Firstly, a safe consumption site would help clean up our streets and reduce the loitering that affects local businesses. By providing a designated space for individuals to consume substances, we can minimize public drug use and associated issues, fostering a safer and more inviting environment for everyone.
Secondly, a safe consumption site would offer a compassionate approach to addressing addiction. Many individuals facing addiction are unable to access help on their own due to various barriers. By providing a supervised and supportive setting, we can bridge this gap and ensure that those who need assistance receive the help they deserve.
As an individual entering my 12th year, free from the grip of fentanyl and determined to break free from toxic cycles, I feel compelled to speak out on these crucial issues. Through my extensive education and the support that has bolstered my self-esteem, I have gained the confidence to address these matters. It is important for me to acknowledge that I am only one of the 5% who have managed to overcome these challenges. I attribute my success to the compassion shown by others and the resources that were made available to me.
However, it is essential to recognize that many individuals struggling with addiction do not have access to the same resources and support. This lack of resources is particularly concerning when it comes to addressing the spread of undocumented syphilis in our town. The homeless population, who often face difficulties in obtaining healthcare and testing, are at risk of contracting and unknowingly spreading this disease. Given the issues surrounding infidelity and sex work in Sarnia, that I regularly see in my advocacy work, this should be a major concern for our community.
During our conversation, let's delve deeper into these issues and discuss potential solutions. It is crucial that we advocate for increased resources, testing, and support for the homeless population. By addressing these challenges with empathy and understanding, we can work towards creating a safer and more inclusive community where everyone has access to the resources they need to break free from addiction and prevent the spread of diseases.
I would also like to extend an invitation to members of the City Council, as well as individuals working in social work, to join us for a beer or a mocktail. It is important to provide options for those who do not drink or are in recovery. By having a diverse group of voices at the table, we can foster a more comprehensive and inclusive discussion about the issues we are facing.
I would also like to commend City Councillor Brian White for his bravery in openly discussing his own recovery journey. His transparency serves as an inspiration to others who may be struggling with addiction. By sharing his story, Councillor White helps break down the stigma surrounding addiction and encourages others to seek help and support.
I would also like to commend Councillor Chrissy McRoberts for her exceptional work in our community. She has broken systemic barriers in our conservative town and is a powerful advocate for the underrepresented, including but not limited to the LGBTQ2S+ community, as well as our housing crisis. Her dedication and contributions don't go unnoticed. Councillor McRoberts' efforts and commitment to positive change deserve recognition and appreciation.
I am thankful to everyone on the panel for dedicating their time to our community, and I would like to highlight our new members from the last election, including Councillor Adam Kilner, who does exceptional work in our community, for being part of the change that Sarnia needs, creating a more diverse representation of our community.
Together, let's challenge the smoke and mirrors approach that seems to be prevalent and work towards tangible, meaningful change in our community.
Your hard work and dedication don't go unnoticed, Nathan. Our community could greatly benefit from more leading men in our community like you and Councillors White and Kilner, who understand the importance of intersectionality and amplifying the voices of the underrepresented. It's crucial that we have advocates who recognize and address the unique challenges faced by marginalized communities. Thank you both for your unwavering commitment to making a difference.