Get to Know Christine Nayler

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I have been advocating for better funding, supports and services for those struggling with mental illness and and substance use issues for the past 8 years. My advocacy started out of necessity as my son lived with concurrent disorders having both Bipolar Disorder and Substance Use Disorder. Trying to get supports for him was near impossible as our mental health system in Ontario is not patient or family friendly. Also the lack of funding and strict criteria for accessing services means minimal services are available and there are 1 to 2 year wait lists for nearly every service or support. As hard as I advocated for my son and as hard as Ryan fought to stay alive he lost his battle due to a toxic drug poisoning on November 29th, 2020. Since Ryan's passing I have become an even more vocal advocate fighting to bring awareness and change policies. The Toxic Drug Crisis in Canada is a national emergency and it is time that our governments come together to address it. We need to change laws and policies to save lives. I have joined Moms Stop The Harm a national group of advocates fighting to change the flawed drug policies that are costing lives. I advocate for harm reduction including Supervised  Consumption Sites in all cities, safe supply for all experiencing substance use issues and decriminalization. I also advocate for more supports and funding for those living with mental illness and substance use issues and for affordable low barrier supportive housing for those experiencing or at risk of homelessness.