A Yarmouth mother is turning tragedy into a way to help others.
Tina Comeau-Surette’s son Justin Surette passed away early last year at age 21 after an accidental overdose.
His death followed a years-long struggle with addiction.
Comeau-Surette has shared Justin’s story at schools, and a documentary called ‘Justin’s Story: No Family is Immune’ is getting rave reviews at film festivals, and has received hundreds of thousands of views on social media.
She was recently given the ‘Let’s Keep Talking’ award through the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia.
Comeau-Surette says her goal is to keep the conversation going.
“I made a promise to him on the day that he died that I would continue to spread addiction awareness. I’m not in this for personal gain, but anything that highlights what I’m doing is helping to get that message out, that’s what Justin would have wanted,” said Comeau-Surette.
A poster for the documentary ‘Justin’s Story: No Family is Immune’ (Contributed)
The documentary was recently shown at NSCC Burridge Campus, where her son Jacob Surette attended the Radio and Television Arts program. He helped produce the piece.
“I think the documentary is helping to break down stigmas, it’s sharing the ugliness of addiction. People need to understand that addiction is very difficult, it’s hard for families and those struggling with it. It’s also encouraged conversations in households, not just schools, which is what I want to see happen,” added Comeau-Surette.
The documentary was also seen by Caitlin Morrison, the sister of late ‘Friends’ star Matthew Perry, who had his own struggles with addiction.
Comeau-Surette got to meet Morrison at the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia awards earlier this month.
“She saw the documentary and reached out to me. She’s a great person, we hugged and cried, and she was very genuine, and said if I ever needed to reach out, to please do that.”
As for what’s next, Comeau-Surette plans to continue speaking to students not just in the Tri-Counties, but across the province, and she’s working on hosting an event in Yarmouth late in 2026.
“I just want people to not judge those who go through addiction. People won’t reach out for support if they feel like they’re being judged. For those who knew Justin, I hope they just remember what a great person he was, and how he made us laugh all the time. I hope when they hear the song ‘Dancing Queen,‘ which was his signature song, that they’ll dance along and think of him.”
Comeau-Surette says Justin wanted to be a counsellor, he often talked to youth about his struggles, and told them to avoid drugs.
She says he would be proud of what his family is doing.
“He wanted to save lives, and if he can’t be here, we’re going to do it in his memory.”
Kelly Mitchell of Yarmouth also receives award
Comeau-Surette wasn’t the only person from Yarmouth to receive a ‘Let’s Keep Talking’ award.
Kelly Mitchell is the founder of Aidaen’s Place Youth Support Hub in Yarmouth.
She created it in memory of her daughter, Aidaen, who died by suicide in 2019.
Often referred to as the ‘Purple House,’ Aidaen’s Place provides meals, clothing, programs and peer support for youth.
