Pubdate: Thu, 22 Dec 2005
Source: Carillon, The (CN MB)
Copyright: 2005 The Carillon
Contact:  http://www.thecarillon.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2340
Author: Kelvin Goertzen, MLA Steinbach Constituency
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?241 (Methamphetamine - Canada)

TALKS ON CRYSTAL METH GO ON

Dear Sir:

Since hosting an information meeting regarding crystal meth in Steinbach on 
Oct. 24, many residents have asked me what other activities have happened 
or are planned and I am pleased to provide this update.

The response from the Southeast to the issue of crystal meth and the drug 
problem in general has been remarkable. As a result of the Steinbach 
meeting and the incredibly positive feedback, several other information 
meetings were arranged throughout the province that I was pleased to 
participate in over the past month.

Youth groups, parents and school officials have all been involved. In 
January I will participate in meth information meetings in Winnipeg, St 
Pierre-Jolys and Dominion City. The parents and community leaders who 
assisted in the Steinbach meeting should be proud of the fact that their 
efforts are resonating throughout Manitoba and will save the lives of young 
people.

Also, since the Steinbach meeting there has been positive movement on the 
control of some of the main ingredients of crystal meth. As well, new 
made-in-Manitoba information on the drug is available and I expect other 
information will be produced soon.

If anyone wishes to receive the current information or future information, 
please contact me (ph: 326-5763/e-mail:  /website: 
www.kelvingoertzen.com) and ask to be added to the information list and I 
will be sure to provide you with material as it becomes available. While 
these measures will not end the availability of crystal meth and other 
drugs, they are nonetheless a good first step.

There are several groups working in the community and the region to address 
the ongoing issue of crystal meth and other drug addiction. Drug addiction 
is a multi-faceted problem and will take a multi-faceted approach to 
dealing with the issue and I applaud each of the groups involved. No one 
initiative will address the issue fully, but an ongoing effort will make a 
difference. Awareness is a key component of prevention. In the new year I 
hope to bring forward both locally and on a province-wide basis other ideas 
to deal with this issue.

Most of all, I want to recognize the individuals who have been so 
supportive and encouraging, privately and publicly, in raising awareness 
about drug addiction. Your initiative is making a difference in the lives 
of young people and I commend you.

Kelvin Goertzen, MLA
Steinbach Constituency
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom