Honourable senators, I rise today to highlight the work of Portage Ontario. Portage Ontario is a non-profit organization that was established in 1985 and operates a residential drug addiction rehabilitation centre for youth in Elora, Ontario, just a short drive away from my home here north of Fergus.

The Portage Elora treatment centre serves Ontario youth referred by parents, schools, family physicians, hospitals and other addiction-treatment and youth-serving agencies.

Since its inception, Portage has helped tens of thousands of people take back control of their lives with their specialized drug rehabilitation programs for adolescents, adults, pregnant women and mothers with children, the Indigenous community, adults with mental health issues and individuals referred by the justice system.

I had the distinct pleasure of visiting Portage’s facilities in Elora earlier this year for a socially distanced tour. I have also had the opportunity to previously support Portage through their annual Pedal for Portage campaign, wherein I, along with many others, rode my bike along a designated route to raise funds in support of this outstanding facility.

During my visit this past March, I was pleased to learn that in Portage’s therapeutic community environment, residents work through the underlying issues that caused their substance abuse and develop a set of social competencies that will help them deal with the challenges of everyday life without resorting to drug abuse. They develop the self-esteem and confidence needed to go on to lead healthy, productive, drug-free lives.

At this time, I would like to thank the team at Portage’s facilities for continuing to serve and support vulnerable members of our community, especially during these challenging times. I know it is appreciated by countless Ontarians.

Honourable colleagues, I believe this pandemic has highlighted some already existing problems facing our communities, including the mental health and substance abuse crises. Substance use has risks at all ages, but young people are at particular risk of harm to their physical and mental health and well-being; accidents, because of increased risk-taking and impaired judgment; strain on important relationships with family and friends; and long-term substance-use issues.

Organizations like Portage are dedicated to helping individuals heal emotionally and physically, and to support the development of behaviours, attitudes and values of healthy living, which Canada is known for. I am hopeful that we, as senators of this great nation, will continue to support such organizations that provide dedicated services to fellow Canadians who may be struggling.

Thank you, meegwetch.