THUNDER BAY – Solving the drug and alcohol problems in remote far north communities could be done. Maybe all it will take are a couple of somewhat radical sounding ideas. First off, for First Nations Communities, it could be done with the simple step of border control.
First Nations, in an effort to reduce the influx of illegal, and dangerous substances, should consider putting in place a border control program. If people arriving by air or winter roads were subject to a similar inspection process as Canada Customs, the impact on the drug traffic would likely be instantaneous.
Such moves would also meet with the stated priorities of First Nation leaders in protecting their lands. The service could be set up for arriving flights, and on winter roads when in operation. They could be manned by NAPS officers, who are already tasked with the responsibility to protect their communities.
The important message would come with such a move when no one would be offered a pass where they would be exempted from the inspection.
The message would go out quickly that to attempt to bring illegal drugs into the communities would only result in arrest and convictions.
Sources are suggesting strongly to NNL that the problem with drugs being smuggled into many far north communities are coming into those communities by air, and by individuals one would not commonly suspect would be doing such acts.
Second there should be random checks on all flights out of Thunder Bay, and Sioux Lookout to Northern Communities for everyone.
Those two seemingly simple ideas could work to solve the problems in Northern Communities.
Northern communities already face many challenges. The impact on the individuals in those communities can be seen in the suicides, murders, and other criminal acts that drug and alcohol abuse seem to generate. Moving strongly and quickly right now to protect the communities from drug dealers and the certain hell they bring into those communities would be a good start to fixing the problems.
James Murray