Opinions differ in Membertou on how to deal with an illegal drug crisis

There's agreement that illegal drugs have become a crisis and an epidemic in Membertou First Nation, but there are differing opinions on how to deal with the problem.

Resident Candice Denny-Paul has been openly calling on the band council to take harsh measures against dealers in the community next to Sydney, N.S.

"The major drug issue that we're having here is pretty common throughout Sydney as well, and that's with crack cocaine," Denny-Paul said. "It's been running rampant in our streets.

"I've had some close friends, community members, they've suffered from overdoses, and I've had some really close friends that were community members who are committing suicide because they can't break the cycle that they're in."

Denny-Paul said some drugs are being sold by community members and some are sold by people who don't live in Membertou.

In any case, it's out of control, she said.

'The walking dead'

"It's getting to a point where it's really scary. We're losing our community members way too young. We're seeing younger generations look like older generations because they're simply the walking dead."

Denny-Paul wants the band to return to traditional ways that included banishing those who break the law.

She also said the band council should cut off any form of financial assistance, including payment for utilities, for drug dealers who live on the reserve.

"I want our community members to be uncomfortable enough to realize that they need help," Denny-Paul said.

"My mom always told me that tough love is sometimes the best love to give and I stand by that."

In its community newsletter in October, Membertou band council admitted there is a drug crisis. The band said last month it was working with law enforcement to "dismantle the sources and establishments contributing to this epidemic."

Last summer, the newsletter published results of a survey that found youth were concerned about too many strangers in the community, too many drug dispensaries, not enough needle disposal boxes and concerns over drug abuse, traffic from the dispensaries and the safety of children walking in the community.

Chief Terry Paul was not available for an interview last week.

But in a statement, he said the band is taking a balanced approach that combines working with law enforcement and providing compassionate rehabilitation that includes culturally specific treatments.

No detail was provided on that, but the latest newsletter heralds the opening of a new health centre that has a smudging room and includes a doctor, five nurses, five continuing care assistants and a mental health and addictions program.

"Our priority is to protect the safety of our community, support recovery and create lasting solutions to rebuild a healthier, stronger Membertou," Paul said.

It's not clear what "sources and establishments" are contributing to the drug crisis, but since 2021, Membertou has been working on its own law to regulate the proliferation of cannabis dispensaries in the community.

In 2023, Cape Breton Regional Police said the number of cannabis outlets had doubled and were a major source of illegal tobacco on which federal excise taxes have not been paid.

The band said it was cutting off funding for some youth and elder recreational activities because "non-quota" tobacco sales were cutting into the band's profits from the sale of what is called quota tobacco that it pays excise tax on, but is free of sales taxes.

After Denny-Paul publicly began raising concerns about the drug crisis last month, the band issued a statement on its website saying its quota tobacco sales continue to see "significant decline" resulting in a tobacco fund deficit of $707,000.

The band said because of that, it would extend the suspension of funding for community supports.

Denny-Paul said cannabis outlets are not the source of the drug crisis in Membertou.

"They're speaking so loudly about the cannabis dispensaries that all of the harsher ailments of our community, such as the drug epidemic with crack cocaine, it gets hidden," she said. "It gets pushed to the back burner."

Denny-Paul said the proposed cannabis law is still at least a year away from implementation and it won't address the problem as she sees it.

"I don't see it being beneficial to the larger picture, the larger drug epidemic with the harsh drugs here and pushing out the drug dealers that we have living so comfortably here in Membertou."

'This is my home'

Denny-Paul said since speaking out, she has been contacted by drug users and dealers telling her to keep quiet and mind her own business.

But she is undeterred.

"I was born and raised here. This is my home. These are my people. These are my brothers and these are my sisters.

"Even though I have not blood relations to these people, they're my people, so it's my business and I'm going to continue to make it my business."

Anyone with concerns about drugs can call:

• Mi'kmaq Crisis Line: 1-855-379-2099
• N.S. Mental Health & Addictions: 1-888-429-8167
• Helpline: 211
• Membertou Addictions & Mental Health: 902-565-5624 or 902-217-0387 

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