Pubdate: Fri, 06 Jun 2003
Source: Globe and Mail (Canada)
Page: A7
Copyright: 2003, The Globe and Mail Company
Contact:  http://www.globeandmail.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/168
Author: Canadian Press
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/prison.htm (Incarceration)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?137 (Needle Exchange)

COMMITTEE FAVOURS PRISON NEEDLE EXCHANGE

Ottawa -- The Commons Health Committee has come out in favour of 
needle-exchange programs for drug users within federal prisons in an effort 
to curb high rates of HIV and hepatitis C infection among inmates. Drug 
addicts can get access to clean needles in most Canadian cities but not in 
prisons. Corrections Canada estimates that 70 per cent of prisoners have 
substance abuse problems.

In a dissenting opinion, the Opposition Canadian Alliance opposed the 
proposal for prison needle exchanges, saying they would lead to higher 
rates of drug use in prisons.
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager