Pubdate: Wed, 30 Apr 2003
Source: Goldstream Gazette (CN BC)
Copyright: 2003 Goldstream Gazette
Contact:  http://www.goldstreamgazette.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1291
Author: Rick Stiebel

YOUTH AND DRUGS FOCUS OF MEETING

A meeting, aptly titled "Our Youth and Drugs," on Thursday, May 8 aims to 
provide concerned parents with information about the burgeoning drug 
problem on the West Shore.

"The bottom line is the drug problem is increasing dramatically on the West 
Shore," said West Shore RCMP Cpl. Brian Kerr, who helped organize the 
event. "We get calls weekly from parents and school authorities concerned 
about what is going on in the community."

Kerr said meth-amphetamine use, which has taken off in Vancouver and 
downtown Victoria, is starting to become a big problem on the West Shore.

"It's cheap, and highly addictive," he said.

A panel of experts, including Cpl. Pete Zubersky, drug awareness 
coordinator for the Vancouver Island RCMP drug section, drug addiction 
specialist Dr. Bayla Schecter, Dunsmuir Middle School principal Daphne 
Churchill and Kerr and his street crime unit, will make presentations and 
answer questions.

Federal Crown counsel Lori McMorran will discuss parental rights. Randy 
Miller, whose struggles with drug addiction were chronicled in the 
documentary Behind the Blue Lens, will also speak at the meeting.

Counsellors from Pacific Centre Family Services will discuss what help is 
available in the community.

"The purpose is to raise awareness about what the police face," Kerr said. 
"And what the future holds in store."

The free information meeting, which is sponsored by Saunders Subaru and 
Colwood Thrifty Foods, takes place at 7 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion 
at 761 Station Rd.

Refreshments will be provided.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom