SEPTEMBER 2019

WHEREAS, during Recovery Month, Canadians in recovery from addiction will join with friends and family to build awareness, challenge societal stigma, and celebrate the role that recovery plays in improving the lives of individuals, families, and communities. We believe that recovery saves lives. We envision a world in which recovery from addiction is a common, celebrated reality - a world where individuals will not experience shame when seeking help. We are passionate about providing space to share stories of recovery in the hope of inspiring others; and

WHEREAS, addiction in its various forms such as problematic gambling, eating disorders and alcohol and drug related harms, creates a tremendous burden to individuals, families and communities in Thunder Bay; and

WHEREAS, many individuals and families have sought help to assist with dealing with addiction-related problems and have embraced recovery with honesty and humility; and

WHEREAS, there remains a stigma to acknowledging the challenges addiction-related problems pose and fully embracing the freedom that recovery represents; and

WHEREAS, recovery needs to be acknowledged, talked about and celebrated by individuals, families and communities; and

WHEREAS, many people remain reluctant to talk about addiction openly, seek support and live joyously in recovery and are now ready to say in unison “I AM IN RECOVERY” and I am a stronger, happier, fulfilled and more connected person because of it.

NOW THEREFORE, I, Bill Mauro, Mayor of the City of Thunder Bay, do hereby proclaim September 2019 as Recovery Month in the City of Thunder Bay.

BILL MAURO,

MAYOR