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Opinion, Dave Dale: Why isn’t Ontario going after Big Pharma?

Long-time North Bay councillor George Maroosis isn’t running for extended chamber stay but still has a political fire burning, suggests provincial parties should go after Big Pharma for opioid damages, also said methadone clinic operators should be rewarded when patients are cured of addiction not just maintained as clients long-term
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North Bay Councillor George Maroosis plans to retire from politics but he still has some opinions to share.

George Maroosis raised several good points while we were chatting at his art and framing shop downtown on Tuesday.

The long-time North Bay councillor and business person, who confirmed he won’t be seeking another term in the municipal election this fall, said he’s befuddled by how quiet the provincial election campaign has been as the June 2 poll approaches.

Maroosis said he’s surprised none of the parties are promising to go after “Big Pharma” with a lawsuit seeking damages for the opioid addiction crisis. Several American states have successfully sued the manufacturers and sellers of the highly-addictive pain medication. British Columbia is doing the same, and a $1.1-billion private class-action was initiative in Ontario Superior Court in 2019, but the province isn’t involved.

It seems like a prudent thing to do, Maroosis said, considering the province is facing a health care crisis and more funding is needed to deal with the impact of those addictions. The subject came up after discussing addiction treatment in the city, funding announced for Canadore College to manage a facility for addictions and mental health treatment, as well as the numerous methadone clinics here.

“I'm always astounded when I listen to the American news how in the United States they've been successful in suing these companies that helped create the opioid crisis,” he said. “I have yet to hear any Canadian jurisdiction get millions of dollars from big pharma for the opioid crisis in this country … and I don't hear any parties saying, ‘If we get elected we're going to sue big pharma … and get some money to help treat people who've been affected by these opioids.”

The interview began with Maroosis stating he’s surprised at how many New Democrat Party signs are sprouting up on private residential properties compared to the Progressive Conservative signs for incumbent MPP Vic Fedeli. While he doesn’t know the NDP’s Erika Lougheed, Maroosis said signs in yards are usually a pretty good indicator of support.

First elected to North Bay council in the 1980s, Maroosis has served in an elected capacity for about 35 years. He ran for the Nipissing seat at Queen’s Park under the Liberal banner, losing to Mike Harris in 1999 and a razor-thin by-election to PC candidate Al McDonald after Harris resigned in 2002.

The interview is part of a series of video discussions specifically for the provincial election. Segments from interviews with Green Party candidate Sean McClocklin and Libertarian Michelle Lashbrook joined segments with Lougheed, Fedeli and Liberal Tanya Vrebosch.

The interviews are not all about active campaigns, they include a variety of local people and issues.

Earlier in the month but just posted to YouTube Tuesday, was an interview with Sandy O’Grady and Judi Jessen regarding the upcoming celebration of Italian Canadian resilience since the Second World War internments.

Canada’s apology for the internment of thousands of Italian Canadians, who were unjustly declared ‘enemy aliens’ during the Second World War, will be recognized in North Bay June 5-12.

The federal government issued its formal apology in the House of Commons in May 2021, but COVID pandemic restrictions prevented its reception in communities like North Bay. 

A series of events is planned through the Davedi Club, including a celebration of the recovery of the Italian community in Northern Ontario, as well as its current importance in the fabric of those cities and towns. A documentary of internments, static display and dedication ceremony at the Memorial Stone. A formal dinner and program of education, highlighted by the memories and statements of impact, and a friendly soccer tourney are among the events planned.

• Documentary “Barbed Wire and Mandolins” June 5th, 7 p.m. Free

• Static Display June 5th – 10th, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free

• Dedication of Memorial Stone at the waterfront, Memorial Drive June 11th, 4 p.m. Free

• Formal Dinner June 11th, Cocktails 5:30, Dinner 6:30 p.m. – tickets $20

• Renewal Celebration: Soccer Tournament, Sunday June 12, Veterans Field at Judge Ave. Open youth game at 11 a.m. to noon, competitive game 12:30 to 2 p.m. Free pizza lunch to participants and friends at the Davedi Club thereafter.

Last week, I had the pleasure of interviewing an Ojbiwe language teacher Anishinaabemowin Bemwidood Shabogesic, of Nipissing First Nation, who helped breakdown how to pronounce the new name for Marathon Beach, Shabogesic Jiibiik, a reconciliation gesture which honours his ancestor Chief Shabogesic, the Nipissing leader who signed the 1850 Robinson Huron Treaty.

Next week, I hope to write about how fuel prices are impacting a great many areas of the economy and social infrastructure. Volunteers, for example, are feeling the pain as the cost of helping out has escalated. A couple who have been assisting the Meals on Wheels told me that their three-day contribution delivering prepared food to people who are shut-in or have challenges getting out and about is now too costly for them due to the price of fuel.

Personally, I was considering a trip to Sault Ste. Marie and looked into taking an Ontario Northland bus instead of driving my own vehicle due to the hike in gas prices. Even a late booking with a higher fee for a refundable ticket, plus the admin fee, was the same as the fuel burned without taking into account the wear and tear. Part of the draw of taking a bus is having WiFi available so I can work on stories and post social media commentary while covering the distance, instead of being tasked with driving myself.

It would be good to hear from other people and find out how the higher price for gasoline is impacting their decisions or business operations. With fuel companies posting record profits, and governments raking in windfalls due to percentage-based harmonized goods and services taxes, there is motivation to look at some sort of gouging regulations or higher taxes on profits at least.

Speaking of economic struggles, the 9th annual TP North Bay campaign to promote donations of toilet paper for area food banks only has one more weekend push. The last chance to help meet the 27,000-roll goal comes Saturday with organizers collecting at the Giant Tiger on Lakeshore Drive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

You may also drop off your toilet paper in any of the blue boxes in any local grocery store plus at Allison the Bookman, Davedi Club and Fire Station 1. Volunteer campaign coordinator Ellen Barriage-Faulkner is also at the Van Storage Container at Parker's Your Independent Grocer from 1 to 3 p.m. on Fridays or email [email protected] for pick ups.

Dave Dale is a veteran journalist and columnist who has covered the North Bay area for more than 30 years. Reader responses meant as Letters to the Editor can be sent to [email protected]. To contact the writer directly, email: [email protected] or check out his website www.smalltowntimes.ca