Pubdate: Fri, 12 May 2000
Source: The Aldergrove Star (CN BC)
Copyright:2000 Central Fraser Valley Star Publishing
Website: http://www.aldstar.com/
Contact: REHAB CENTER FOR GIRLS' CRISIS

ALDERGROVE - An urgent request by Langley-Abbotsford MP Randy White to
meet with Premier Ujjal Dosanjh in an effort to save the Campbell
Valley Womens' Centre, has gone unheeded by the premier.

"I have been advised that he is unable to meet about this centre at
any time," says White. "I take that to mean he is unwilling. I find it
appalling that the premier will never have the time to meet with MLA's
and an MP whose interest is in drug addicted children. I'm surprised
Mr. Dosanjh is willing to disregard the plight of these young people,
who had been a priority when he was attorney general, but not now."

The Campbell Valley Womens' Centre, a residential drug and alcohol
rehabilitation centre for teenage girls in Langley, has had its
funding cut off by the provincial government citing that it wants a
centre located in Surrey. "There is no justification for cutting off
the funding, except that this facility happens to be in a provincial
Liberal riding, not an NDP one," says White.

"The NDP has turned its back on these girls. Here is the former
attorney general who suddenly does not have time to deal with the
plight of drug addicted young girls in B.C. Voters should be prepared
to turn the NDP out on its ear in the next election."

Campbell Valley can offer up to 13 young women with 24 hour
supervision in an intensive program, which also offers professional
counselling, a complete arts and recreation program, including indoor
swimming pool, gymnasium, woodworking shop and ceramic studio. They
have on-site classrooms and an education program. Staff has already
been laid off.
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