Pubdate: Thu, 20 Oct 2016
Source: Calgary Herald (CN AB)
Copyright: 2016 Postmedia Network
Contact:  http://www.calgaryherald.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/66
Author: Dorothy Davis
Page: A13
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v16/n649/a04.html

COMBATING FENTANYL NEEDS NEW APPROACH

Re: "Leaders huddle in search of drug scourge solutions," Oct. 18.

Kathleen Ganley's repeated response to the fentanyl crisis is very
disappointing. The Alberta government says it does not want to declare
a public emergency because this would give the government unnecessary
powers. This position is facile.

To solve this crisis, the government does not have to break into
people's homes unannounced and without a warrant, even if they have
the power to do so.

The government needs to think outside of the box. They might then
accept that the war on drugs has been lost. They might research
alternative progressive approaches adopted by other countries.

They might come to the realization that harm reduction policies are
much more effective than enforcement and abstinence treatment-based
programs. They might realize that harm reduction saves lives, reduces
crime, cuts judicial and health-care costs, and in turn, lowers taxes.

This strategy might even please diehard conservatives.

Dorothy Davis, Calgary
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MAP posted-by: Matt