'Drive by and watch it': Councillor's remarks about drug use lead to calls for resignation

The Native Council of P.E.I. is calling for Charlottetown Coun. Mitch Tweel to apologize and resign after statements he made during a recent council meeting.

But on Saturday, Tweel said he has no intention to do so.

The Native Council took exception to Tweel's comments at a special council meeting Sept. 25 during a discussion about using a modular building as an overdose prevention site.

Tweel was against the idea, and he used the Outreach Centre in his ward as an example as to why.    

"Look at what that's become over the past couple of months, the past year," he said at the meeting.

"Any drug you want, you can get it. Drug paraphernalia is handed out. There will be a van up there again tonight handing out drug paraphernalia. Just take a drive by and watch it. Watch the episode."

The Native Council of P.E.I. said the van Tweel described is the Native Council's mobile harm reduction unit, which provides clean needles, first-aid supplies — even clothing — to those in need. It is part of a program funded by Health Canada.

A letter to Tweel and city council from the Native Council says there are already safety concerns for the mobile unit's staff. They've installed lights and cameras for one staff member who is worried their address could become public.

Now, they say Tweel's suggestion that people "drive by and watch" puts staff members at even greater risk.  

The Native Council said it had no response to that letter, so now it is filing an official complaint.

"Councillor Tweel's call to action to 'drive by and watch' our MHRT van with respect to the 'illegal activities taking place' are a call for intimidation, harassment, verbal abuse, adverse treatment of others, and prejudice of the provision of a service to the community," said the Native Council's followup letter, signed by Chief Lisa Cooper.

"Upon a further investigation of the City Council, it may also be possible for this call to action to be an act of discrimination towards Indigenous peoples if Councillor Tweel was aware that the van was operated by the Native Council of P.E.I. and our staff."

The Native Council wants Tweel to give a public apology, get education, and leave his position, either by resignation or dismissal.

When reached for comment on Saturday, Tweel said he would not apologize or resign, and reiterated his concern about the Outreach Centre and the effectiveness of the Mobile Harm Reduction unit.