Pubdate: Fri, 24 Jun 2005
Source: Abbotsford Times (CN BC)
Copyright: 2005 The Abbotsford Times
Contact:  http://www.abbotsfordtimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1009
Author: Christina Toth, Staff reporter
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/hr.htm (Harm Reduction)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?136 (Methadone)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?137 (Needle Exchange)

HARM REDUCTION NOW BANNED IN ABBOTSFORD

An Abbotsford zoning amendment to block some harm reduction services 
passed through fourth reading without fanfare at Monday night's 
council meeting.

The bylaw change will prevent needle exchanges, mobile services, 
free-standing methadone clinics, safe injection sites and similar 
facilities from the city. A methadone clinic operating in downtown 
Abbotsford will be able to continue to operate.

The ban of harm reduction facilities has stirred debate since 
Abbotsford council first took the idea to a Lower Mainland Municipal 
Association conference two years ago as a resolution, but it was 
turned down. The council unanimously agreed to resurrect the ban in 
Abbotsford. The move has drawn criticism from health services, in 
particular those who deal with people with addictions.

Dr. Andrew Larder, Fraser East medical health officer, said those 
harm reduction services are well accepted and supported as good 
health practises in jurisdictions across North America and Europe.

Others support the ban, saying giving addicts clean needles, 
providing safe injection sites and methadone gives youth the wrong 
message - that drug use is OK. They say the harm reduction strategy 
prolongs addiction and what is needed is more education, treatment 
and harsher penalties.

Abbotsford's Conservative MP Randy White lauded Abbotsford's move in 
a press release.

"These services must be exposed for what they truly are: dangerous, 
temporary, contrary to the values of most Canadians and certainly to 
the residents of Abbotsford," it said.

However, the province's medical health officer Dr. Perry Kendall said 
the bylaw may breach the Community Charter as Abbotsford did not 
consult with his office, nor get approval from the minister of 
health. The Charter says any bylaw that has the potential to affect 
the administering of health services to those who need them has to 
have provincial approval.

Mayor Mary Reeves took the opportunity Monday to challenge claims the 
council had not consulted with Victoria. Reeves said she had 
discussions and exchanged e-mails with Larder since March 19, and 
that she met with former Health Minister Colin Hansen and "we 
discussed the issue of jurisdiction. Dr. Larder said he had the power 
to overrule us."

She said FHA addictions adviser Sherry Mumford also spoke at a public 
hearing two years ago. Reeves added she met with Abbotsford 
Addictions Services workers to discuss harm reduction before she became mayor.

"A lot of discussion and research went into this, it wasn't just a 
whim," she said.

A spokesman said Minister of Health George Abbott is aware of the 
issue, but would not comment. The ministry will be working with 
Abbotsford, he said.
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MAP posted-by: Beth