Pubdate: Mon, 15 Oct 2007 Source: Smoky River Express (CN AB) Copyright: 2007 Smoky River Express. Contact: http://www.smokyriverexpress.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2446 Author: Chris Warkentin MP WARKENTIN SUPPORTS NEW ANTI-DRUG STRATEGY Peace River Riding MP OTTAWA -- Peace River Member of Parliament Chris Warkentin believes the new National Anti-Drug Strategy unveiled Oct. 4 will will foster healthy communities in the Peace Country. "Our government has made fighting crime and building safer communities one of our top priorities," says Warkentin. "This measure and others such as my Private Member's Bill, C- 428, to combat Crystal Meth production, ensures that our communities and our families will be safer and increasingly protected from illicit drug use and related crimes." Prime Minister Stephen Harper, joined by Health Minister Tony Clement, and Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day unveil Canada's new National Anti-Drug Strategy. The strategy will provide $63.8 million over two years to prevent illegal drug use in young people, treat people who have drug addictions and fight illegal drug crime. "Our two-track approach will be tough on drug crime and compassionate for victims," says Prime Minister Harper. "We'! re simply not going to throw in the towel when the health and safety of our communities is at risk." "Tackling the problem of drug use is going to take all of us. Breaking Canada's drug habit will require a huge effort," says Prime Minister Harper. The new strategy, which builds on and refocuses current programs, includes a focused public awareness campaign aimed at educating youth on the negative effects of illicit drug use. Studies have shown that a growing number of Canadian youth are becoming involved with drugs at younger and younger ages. Combatting their exposure to highly addictive drugs is increasingly a challenge for many communities. The National Anti-Drug Strategy is a collaborative effort involving the Department of Justice, Public Safety Canada and Health Canada and includes three action plans: preventing illicit drug use; treating those with illicit drug dependencies; and combatting the production and distribution of illicit drugs. Reduceds! peed limit Motorists who frequent the highway are reminded to! pay close attention to reduced speed limit construction signs and slow down when approaching Watino from either side of the roadway. "We're requesting the cooperation of drivers to help ensure the safety of construction workers and the traveling public," Saunders says. The existing bridge -- completed in 1950 at a cost of $841,000 -- will be disassembled and removed from the site by Sept. 15 of 2010. - --- MAP posted-by: Derek