A new petition has been launched about drug addiction and mental health supports in the region.

Kenora MP Eric Melillo says is sponsoring the petition due to feedback and concerns from local residents about community safety.

“I recently put out a mail piece to constituents asking about how they felt about safety in their community…about some of the challenges they are facing.  ” states Melillo.

“Unfortunately it’s become an issue.  I had a number of people write in about their concerns.”

Melillo adds drug addition and mental health continue to be problems in the community and this petition has been launched to get the federal government to act.

“Really to advocate to bring more and more awareness to the issues we’re facing here in northwestern Ontario, but also to encourage the government put more resources into addictions treatment and recovery options that we feel are necessary to address the issues that we’re seeing.”

The petition needs 500 signatures in order for it to be presented in the House of Commons.

Signatures will be gathered until September 21st.