Pubdate: Tue, 16 Sep 2003
Source: Abbotsford News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2003 Hacker Press Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.abbynews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1155
Author: Julia Caranci
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/hr.htm (Harm Reduction)

HARM REDUCTION ON AGENDA

Re-directing the proceeds of crime, teaching kids about the dangers of 
street racing and protecting health care in small communities - these and 
other hot button issues will be addressed at a gathering of more than 100 
municipalities later this month.

The Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM) is gearing up for its annual 
convention beginning Sept. 22.

And Abbotsford council has also submitted a resolution, asking that "each 
local government be permitted to make decisions on drug strategies with 
autonomy, to reflect the views of its constituents."

Abbotsford's resolution identifies safe injection sites, needle exchanges, 
free methadone clinics and mobile dispensing units as harm-reduction 
strategies.

Each year, individual municipalities province-wide bring resolutions 
forward to drum up support among their neighbors.

As a unified group, UBCM holds the power to influence decisions at the 
provincial level.

Myriad issues are brought to the table each year in areas such as health 
care, education and safety.

Surrey Coun. Diane Watts said her municipality will push for the proceeds 
of crime - including the sale of confiscated property - to be at least 
partially funnelled back into local law enforcement budgets, rather than be 
taken entirely by federal and provincial governments. Surrey will also be 
pushing for compulsory helmet use for skateboarders and roller bladers.

Another concern involves sweeping changes to liquor licensing, specifically 
the move to allow bars to serve alcohol until 4 a.m.

A number of smaller municipalities have expressed concern for the social 
and safety implications of the changes.
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager