Pubdate: Sat, 02 Jun 2007
Source: Edmonton Journal (CN AB)
Copyright: 2007 The Edmonton Journal
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/edmonton/edmontonjournal/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/134
Author: Donna McMartin
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?143 (Hepatitis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/heroin.htm (Heroin)

DON'T CLOSE INSITE

I think Prime Minister Stephen Harper is aware of the fact that 
Vancouver's safe-injection site has been beneficial in reducing the 
spread of HIV and other blood-born diseases like hepatitis C, and 
that alone should be sufficient reason to keep the project going.

Insite has been a bone of contention from the get-go and much of that 
contention flowed from the United Nations.

The human condition in part of Vancouver's downtown eastside -- home 
to most of these addicts -- is appalling and, until someone can come 
up with a better plan to get these people off heroin, it makes sense 
to allow the site to continue to exist, with or without the UN's 
blessing. If we are in violation of some international drug treaty, so be it.

The Conservatives' focus on the "war on drugs" hopefully will 
encompass tougher sentencing laws. Heavy-duty drug traffickers and 
drug manufacturers for too long have received nothing more than token 
sentences.

With the increasing drug-related homicides in this city alone, it 
should be clear to legislators that it's time to get tough with these people.

We need more police in every city across the country to assist in 
rooting out these deadbeats. That is a promise Harper made some time 
ago, and I expect him to keep it.

Donna McMartin,

Edmonton
- ---
MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman