Pubdate: Wed, 17 May 2006
Source: Red Deer Express (CN AB)
Copyright: 2006 Red Deer Express
Contact:  http://www.reddeerexpress.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2920

BATTLING CRYSTAL METH

The Premier's Task Force on Crystal Meth was in Red Deer yesterday in 
another round of talks with community leaders on what we all should 
do to stop the growing problem.

In today's Express (pages 14/15), we launch the first part of a 
two-part series, which deals with not only the horror of crystal meth 
but also the road of recovery from the highly addictive drug -- which 
is possible.

The crystal meth problem, while not as critical in Alberta and Red 
Deer as in parts of the United States, is undeniably on the rise.

The creation of the task force was wisely initiated to ensure it 
doesn't explode into a full-fledged epidemic like is has south of the 
Canadian border.

For several months now, task force members have toured the province 
getting public input. It is expected late this year the task force 
will make recommendations to the provincial government to ensure the 
meth problem does not get out of control.

While we salute that mandate, we also hope these recommendations are 
meaningful and not just filled with grand empty statements that the 
province considers meth a problem and that a plan will be considered.

As one social agency official told the Express, "The optics are good 
but where is the beef?"

At this point, no social agency or government department in Canada or 
Alberta has reliable data on the extent of crystal meth use.

Any statistics on meth is lumped together with other stimulants.

However, many agencies are already claiming that meth use is way down 
the ladder compared to the consumption of alcohol and other drugs.

While this may be true, it is impossible to ignore the crystal meth 
problems that have already surfaced in Drayton Valley, Hinton and the 
entire Yellowhead Highway corridor west of Edmonton. That in itself 
is alarming.

Red Deer is a growing city in the middle of the Edmonton - Calgary 
corridor where goods, people and services are increasingly planting 
their seeds.

It is already fair to say the seeds of crystal meth have already been 
planted. The provincial government has a moral obligation to not only 
consider a plan, but to make it happen immediately.

Crystal meth must never be allowed to take hold in Alberta, Red Deer, 
or anywhere.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman