Pubdate: Sun, 06 Nov 2005 Source: Edmonton Sun (CN AB) Copyright: 2005, Canoe Limited Partnership. Contact: http://www.canoe.com/NewsStand/EdmontonSun/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/135 Author: Darcy Henton PCS SET SIGHTS ON METH USERS RED DEER -- Alberta Tories are calling for tougher enforcement measures to crack down on crystal meth use, even though they concede it won't be enough to fix the problem. The round-table debate over the meth scourge packed in the biggest crowd at the party's annual policy conference in Red Deer yesterday, with most participants calling for longer sentences for drug pushers and new child endangerment legislation. But some Tory delegates warned that education and treatment are equally important to stem the epidemic. "Obviously, we need more youth treatment," said Red Deer South MLA Mary Anne Jablonski. "We have beds in Edmonton and Calgary and we don't have beds anywhere else." While some of the 400 Tory delegates debated crystal meth, other round tables looked at a long list of other issues ranging from water quality to fixed election dates. Jablonski, who introduced a successful private member's bill last spring to force young meth addicts into treatment, said she was encouraged by the interest shown by party members from the 83 provincial ridings in attacking meth use. "We had standing room only. Obviously this is an issue we're all concerned about. If we have this amount of interest, maybe we will reach our kids somehow." She said there's more to it than having police smash down the doors of drug houses. "I think the law plays a part, but I don't think there is one solution," added delegate Robin Donahue. "We can legislate and make harsher penalties, but somehow we have to decrease the demand for it. "I think we have to look to our communities and parents and education system and do our best as a society to make sure kids are getting the knowledge and education. There are a lot of routes we can take to get that message to kids." Klein, who has appointed his wife Colleen to head a crystal meth task force, wrapped up the conference saying that he was touched by the "the serious and compassionate discussion on crystal meth. "It's extremely important that families and individuals support the government in the fight against drug use, including crystal meth," he said. - --- MAP posted-by: SHeath(DPFFlorida)