I am writing in response to two recent Post articles I have read regarding Mark Gatza, who was removed of his coaching responsibilities at St. Patrick's Catholic School due to a past drug violation. It is my belief that Anthony Scarfone, principal of St. Pat's, is being raked over the coals for just doing his job. I agree with the suggestion that Mark Gatza should apply for a pardon. In my opinion, Pardons Canada is much more qualified to review Gatza's record and grant a pardon if it is deserved (which contrary to Gatza's wife's opinion is much different than "hiding" the offence). [continues 195 words]
At a time when many organizations are pleading for volunteers, Mark Gatza has been told by the principal at his children's elementary school that his free help is no longer wanted. Four days into his position as co-coach of Burlington's St. Patrick's Pythons boys' basketball team, Gatza was informed by principal Anthony Scarfone that a criminal record check showed a conviction for a 1982 narcotics possession and, therefore, his services were no longer needed. "I just can't fathom it," the 42-year-old Gatza said Monday. "I have nothing to hide. I got caught smoking a joint 23 years ago. I guess I can't do anything at the school. [continues 945 words]
Halton Regional Police Service's Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program will be the next topic of discussion on PeopleSpeak In A Place Called Halton. The TV Cogeco program, hosted by regional Chairman Joyce Savoline, will be broadcast on Wednesday (Dec. 15) at 7 p.m. in Burlington and Oakville and 5:30 p.m. in Halton Hills and Milton. Representatives from DARE will join Savoline to talk about the successful program that is taught to Grade 6 students throughout Halton Region. [continues 93 words]
Joins Canadian Team Offering Assistance It took a dare for Wendy Moraghan to finally get to do some overseas travel. That's DARE as in the police enforcement program Drug Abuse Resistance Education. The DARE constable with Halton Regional Police has been selected to be part of a team of six officers from across Ontario to represent the Canadian Training Team which went to the Philippines yesterday (Thursday). Halton police say it marks the first time that DARE International has sought outside assistance in training and certifying new DARE officers. Until now the Canadian Training Team, in existence since 1999, had only trained officers within Canada. [continues 567 words]
Four Burlington residents are among nine area people charged following a series of drug raids by multi-jurisdictional law enforcement agencies. Halton police say warrants executed in a trio of towns last Thursday morning, in Burlington, Oakville and Stoney Creek, resulted in the discovery of three suspected marijuana grow operations and more than $180,000 worth of drugs and cash being seized. More than 80 police officers from Halton, Hamilton, the Provincial Biker Enforcement Unit and the Provincial Asset Forfeiture Unit participated in the co-ordinated operation. [continues 262 words]
Burlington resident with multiple sclerosis asked to address International Association of Women Police Medical marijuana crusader Alison Myrden plans to speak at an upcoming police conference in Boston -- if she's able to cross the border. The local resident and multiple sclerosis sufferer is an outspoken proponent of the legalization of pot. She is one of a small number of people in Canada who have the legal right to smoke the drug to help ease the pain of their disease. Myrden has been invited to give her views at the 42nd Training Conference of the International Association of Women Police. [continues 225 words]
We applaud and support the efforts of Sexual Assault and Violence Intervention Services (SAVIS) of Halton and NRG/ Kingdom nightclub to provide information to young people about the reality of date-rape drugs. With the introduction of all-ages evenings at most clubs, the crowd that heads out to seek a little weekend night life is now younger than ever. Unfortunately, not all of those out enjoying the club scene are as street wise as they need to be. SAVIS is hoping to enlighten club patrons to the dangers of inadvertent drug use at the hands of strangers. [continues 274 words]
Eye-Opening Visit to Club Culture Reinforces Need to Reach Youth Lyndsay Daniel says the past weekend she spent at the NRG/Kingdom nightclub raising awareness of the dangers of date-rape drugs and sexual assault has reinforced the need to continue spreading the message. The education co-ordinator of Sexual Assault and Violence Intervention Services of Halton (SAVIS) helped set up an information booth inside the popular club Friday and Saturday evening. The booth was intended to remind hundreds of weekend party-goers to be cautious of their drinks possibly being spiked with potentially-fatal drugs. [continues 458 words]
Halton police arrested two people and called in the Children's Aid Society following a drug bust at a south-end townhouse complex. On Wednesday, just after 8:30 a.m., members of the Halton Regional Police Drug and Morality Bureau executed a search in a unit on New Street. Police say they recovered 103 marijuana plants in various stages of growth from two rooms in the basement. The street value of the plants is estimated at $20,600. Another $2,000 in growing equipment was also seized, say police. [continues 122 words]
Medical marijuana advocate Alison Myrden won a federal New Democratic Party nomination on her second try. The Burlington resident has accepted the NDP nomination for the Oakville riding. She recently lost the Burlington riding nomination to David Laird. Myrden has had chronic progressive multiple sclerosis since age 13 and chronic pain called Tic Douloureux. She has been a staunch patient advocate for medical marijuana use. "Until I started using marijuana as medicine, I was bound to my wheelchair," she noted. "Now, thanks to this wonderful plant, I have a much better quality of life. So much, in fact, that I can find the energy to run for Parliament and promote the interests of disabled Oakville residents and all Canadians." [continues 90 words]
Drug-impaired motorists will face stronger enforcement under legislation that has been hailed by Burlington's Liberal MP, but rapped by her political opponents. Police will have increased authority under the federal legislation tabled. Paddy Torsney welcomed her government's proposals. "I am very pleased with the government's response to the special committee's recommendation to resolve this issue by providing law enforcement officials with a framework to investigate and charge for drug-impaired driving," she said. "These amendments will make people think twice about getting behind the wheel of any vehicle while impaired. We will save lives." [continues 576 words]
Alison Myrden has battled disability for many years and now hopes to fight harder for those in similar circumstances. The staunch advocate of medical marijuana hopes to become the federal candidate for the New Democratic Party in Burlington riding. The NDP nomination meeting will be held March 25 from 7:30-9 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 60. Improved health care and better support for persons with disabilities are key issues for Myrden, who has Multiple Sclerosis. The Burlington resident noted the maximum income for a single person with a disability is only $900 per month. [continues 219 words]
Two teenagers have been arrested and a total of four students suspended from a local Catholic high school after Halton police made arrests for drug possession. Two 15 year-old males, identified by police as students at Notre Dame Secondary School, have been charged with marijuana possession. Based on tips from the public, police say they conducted surveillance of Ireland Park -- located just south of the school property -- with plainclothes and uniformed Burlington officers. According to police several students were observed allegedly smoking marijuana around 11 a.m. Tuesday. [continues 214 words]
Halton police say an infant was living in a home where they believe an illegal marijuana growing operation was set up. Officers with Halton's Drug and Morality unit executed search warrants last week at two homes on Fothergill Boulevard in the city's east end. Police say a married couple and their one-year-old child were living in both houses. Officers say one of the homes contained marijuana plants and hydroponic growing equipment. While executing the raid, police seized 234 marijuana plants, with an estimated value of $234,000, and about $2,500 in cash. [continues 101 words]
I think you are grossly exaggerating the danger posed by cannabis grow operations. (the Post, Jan. 21). Linking the production of cannabis with organized crime and a "litany of other societal problems including drug trafficking, guns, assaults and murder" is awfully specious. No doubt, the huge profits are attractive to organized criminals, but the claim that they are responsible for the establishment and maintenance of a significant number of the hundreds-of-thousands of grow operations across the country is very dubious. It certainly isn't the situation reported by Forbes magazine in its recent profile of the Canadian cannabis industry. [continues 339 words]
The fact the former Molson Brewery in Barrie has been used as a "marijuana factory" for at least a year -- right under the eyes (noses) of civic officials and police -- may seem humorous at first glance, but it is no laughing matter. A lawyer representing six of the men charged in connection with Canada's largest indoor pot bust is dead wrong when he says his clients don't belong in jail and the public finds the whole matter "amusing". Regardless of your views on the proposed relaxation of marijuana laws in Canada, illegal grow houses are a very serious problem for a number of reasons. [continues 241 words]
Drugs were found hidden in the boardroom of the Halton District School Board's administrative building in Burlington -- but not to worry, it was a specially-trained dog that uncovered the illicit item during a demonstration. Drug dog Dax and his handler, Chris Sharpe of the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (CCRA) out of Pearson Airport in Toronto, attended a recent school board meeting. They were there to show trustees and residents in the audience how a drug dog is trained and makes its way around a potential drug scene. [continues 504 words]
It's late, perhaps really late, and the friend who drove you and your buddies to a party is too drunk or too high, and can't get behind the wheel to take you home. Or you've found yourself in a tough bind and you need help or guidance getting out of it. What do you do? Halton Region's health department has a unique idea that simply requires a young person's trust in a peer. Called the "phone me card," it's the size of a regular business card that you give to someone you respect -- a parent, aunt, uncle or older sibling - -- who writes in their name and phone number on the back. [continues 354 words]
Fourteen Nelson High School students and two others are facing drug charges and school suspensions following a drug sweep by Halton police last week in the Shoreacres Creek area. Police say officers visited multiple areas along the creek's ravine in the New Street/Belvenia Road area Thursday morning after receiving information that drug activity was occurring there. During a two-hour period, officers arrested 16 youths and charged each of them with possession of a controlled substance. Police say the substance was marijuana. [continues 154 words]
I will start out by stating that there is one thing I do agree with in Tim Whitnell's column (Sept. 19, The Post); no one should drive under the influence of anything -- period. Not alcohol, marijuana, speed, over-the-counter prescription drugs that alter your alertness, cocaine, etc. It's just wrong and shouldn't be tolerated. But you cannot put the blame squarely on cannabis. People have been drinking and driving for years, but they haven't stopped selling alcohol in government-run liquor stores. [continues 192 words]
