Pubdate: Sun, 18 Dec 2005
Source: Kelowna Capital News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2005, West Partners Publishing Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.kelownacapnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1294
Author: John Arendt  
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?241 (Methamphetamine - Canada)

METH USE PROGRAM PLANNED

Summerland municipal council is backing its asset  development
initiative in a plan to raise awareness of  the dangers of crystal
methamphetamine use.

The motion was carried unanimously.

Coun. Bruce Hallquist was absent for the discussion and 
resolution.

At the municipal council meeting on Monday evening,  Michelle Stefan
of the asset development initiative  asked council for funding to
participate in the  provincial program.

Stefan says the funding would be used to develop a  crystal
methamphetamine community forum, create a  working group on crystal
meth as an additional arm of  an existing drug education task force,
create workshops  for parents and students and provide community-wide 
education about crystal meth use.

She says the funding will help bring a full-time  qualified drug
worker into the community.

At present, a drug worker is in the community two days  a
week.

Under the provincial program, the Union of B.C.  Municipalities will
provide up to $10,000 in seed  grants to communities starting programs
to raise  awareness of the dangers of methampehtamine use.

The funding is part of a $7-million package announced  in
September.

It includes $2 million for community-based programs, $2  million to
enhance existing treatment programs and  provide professional care, $1
million for a  school-based crystal meth awareness campaign and $2 
million for a public education campaign.

Stefan adds that the Penny Lane Bargain Outlet in  Summerland has
helped with funding for this and other  youth initiatives.

"Penny Lane has been a tremendous source of providing 
sustainability," she says.

In addition, Coun. Ken Roberge asked that the mayor  write to our
Member of Parliament asking for increased  penalties for those who
produce and sell crystal  methamphetamine.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin