Pubdate: Tue, 12 Jul 2005 Source: Chilliwack Times (CN BC) Copyright: 2005 Chilliwack Times Contact: http://www.chilliwacktimes.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1357 Author: Mike Chouinard Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) METH FORUM PLANNED FOR CHILLIWACK City Council Took A Couple Of Steps Last Week Aimed At Public Safety. They supported a motion to join the B.C. Crime Prevention Association and they also have directed staff to organize a public forum about the use and production of methamphetamines, commonly known as crystal meth. "This is a very big concern in the community, and it's something we have to get ahead of very quickly," Coun. Chuck Stam said. No date was set for the forum at the council meeting but the event is likely to take place sometime in the fall. While the city is at the forefront of things when it comes to organizing the forum, they will be looking for other groups and individuals to play key roles. The Sto:lo Nation recently put on a forum to examine the perils of methamphetamine use in the First Nations community. Mayor Clint Hames suggested getting their input for the upcoming forum. "I'd like to incorporate them in the planning," he said. Coun. Mel Folkman also wanted the Chilliwack School District to be involved in the event and would like to see more programs to educate the community about the dangers of the drug. "I think a public forum is a start," he said. Coun. Sharon Gaetz suggested the new solicitor general, Chilliwack-Sumas MLA John Les, be contacted. "I would hope that he would be invited to speak," she said. Gaetz brought up the risks of methamphetamine, particularly for young people. She mentioned studies of young people who have been developing mental illnesses as a result of drug use. "The common denominator in all these assessments is that the kids used crystal meth," she said. Council's other decision, to join the B.C. Crime Prevention Association, will mean opportunities for training and support in the field. The association has been around since 1978 and aims to help startup groups in their efforts to improve community safety. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom