Christine Wingate, Ottawa, ON

My name is Christine Wingate and I lost my youngest son Shane to an overdose from a tainted drug supply. Shane died alone on March 4, 2018.  He was 29 years old.

I am located on the traditional territory of the Anishnabek, Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee ( Iroquois), Oneida and Haudenosaunee (St Lawrence Iroquois) peoples. This territory is covered by the Upper Canada Treaties.

My son Shane struggled with addiction for over ten years.  He always put his best foot forward trying to overcome his fears and his addiction.  He went through long periods of not using drugs, unfortunately, he lost the battle to carfentanil.

Shane lost the battle, but to his family he was a hero trying to fight the demons of addiction.  He suffered severely from anxiety and depression, and OCD for most of his life.  Unfortunately, he self medicated with drugs, mostly opioids to try and pacify these fears.

Shane had a big heart, a bright smile and an infectious laugh.  He was talented in Art and was a naturally gifted athlete.  His passion was golf and snowboarding.  He loved to build snowboarding ramps and putting greens in our backyard.

The addiction to drugs did not define who Shane was, he was a loving son, a caring grandson, an amazing brother to 4 siblings and the most cherished Uncle to 2 nieces and 7 nephews.  He had so much compassion, and always showed kindness and love towards his family and his friends. He touched the lives of many; he could always feel and see other people’s pain and struggles and reached out to try to help them.  He saw the good in everyone.

I reached out to MSTH in January 2019, as I wanted to advocate for change and make a difference in honor of Shane.  The misuse of and addiction to opioids including synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, and the analogue, carfentanil, is a serious national crisis that affects our public health as well as the social and economic welfare of our society.  How many more deaths have to occur before this issue is addressed head on.  All stakeholders have a role and responsibility in providing practical and sustainable solutions.  There needs to be a polar shift in people’s attitudes towards addiction.  The need to act is urgent, we need more treatment efforts and more programs in place to save lives, and promote safe supply and recovery for all people who use drugs.

The stigma surrounding people who use drugs found in the police force, the policy makers and the community at large has to change.  When dealing with people who use drugs and their family members, we must strive to treat them with simple human dignity.  In other words, they deserve to be treated with compassion and understanding, not blame.

Shane’s love was a gift held deep within my heart and my soul.  To possess this kind of love is a treasure. His love of family and kindness towards others will be his legacy. Shane’s life mattered to so many. I miss him with every breath I take.

Shane Michael Binks, January 28, 1989 – March 4, 2018