As northwestern Ontario communities continue to face mental health and addiction challenges, Sioux Lookout, Ont., is ramping up efforts to make services more accessible. Local leaders say this latest initiative supportive treatment beds at the town's emergency shelter is another step toward addressing the crisis.
Sioux Lookout in northwestern Ontario will receive over $4 million to create 37 new addiction treatment beds, the province's associate minister of mental health and addictions said Tuesday in the town of over 5,000 people. It's among communities receiving funding for a total of 400 new addictions treatment beds across Ontario.
Members of the Friendship Accord. Sioux Lookout Municipal website
There is a new person in charge of the Sioux Lookout Friendship Accord Economic Development Corporation.
The Accord was signed in 2012 to strengthen relations and provide new opportunities for the Municipality and area First Nations communities and includes Slate Falls, Cat Lake, Lac Seul and Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug.
Jacob Dockstator has been hired as Executive Director of SLFAEDC.
He brings experience as an executive with senior level experience and expertise in financial management, raising funds in the private sector and developing organizations that focus on working with First Nations.
Dockstator was previously the Vice President Business Development at a private debt fund in Toronto, where he personally managed a portfolio of over $200 million.