Pubdate: Sat, 12 Aug 2006
Source: Vancouver Sun (CN BC)
Copyright: 2006 The Vancouver Sun
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/vancouver/vancouversun/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/477
Author: Paul Czene

THE LIVES OF ADDICTS ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN IDEOLOGY

Re: Delay of decision on safe injection site may cause layoffs, 
doctor says, Aug. 11

I am struggling to comprehend how a Conservative government can allow 
ideology to be of greater import than saving lives. Strengthening his 
political base at the expense of drug addicts' lives is a tawdry 
method for Prime Minister Stephen Harper to employ.

The Vancouver safe injection site has saved lives, especially of 
those who overdose.

If saving lives does not resonate, perhaps the financial bottom line 
will. Fewer people going to hospital emergency departments thanks to 
the safe injection site saves money and reduces the strain on an 
already overwhelmed health-care system.

The closing of the safe injection site would measure what value 
Harper places on human life.

Paul Czene

Burnaby
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman