Pubdate: Sat, 24 Sep 2005 Source: Prince Albert Daily Herald (CN SN) Copyright: 2005 Prince Albert Daily Herald Contact: http://www.paherald.sk.ca/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1918 METH FUNDS WELCOME An announcement by the federal government on Friday is good news for those hoping to see the use of crystal meth become a thing of the past in the Prince Albert region. More than 300 aboriginal addictions counsellors and mental health workers will get special training aimed at preventing crystal meth abuse in First Nations and Inuit communities across Canada, Health Minister Ujjal Dosanjh announced Friday. Dosanjh said $851,000 in federal funding will enable the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies to deliver the 30-hour certification program. Even better, Dosanjh also said his department has committed more than $6.1 million over the next three years to other front-line projects aimed at curbing substance abuse in Western Canada. We hope that some of those funds can be secured to take Prince Albert's Addictions/Detoxifications Strategy from a work on paper to reality. The comprehensive, well-researched nature of the plan to address these issues deserves the attention and financial support of all levels of government. This is also an appropriate time to remind Prince Albert residents that the second community rally against crystal meth will take place on Oct. 5 at 7 p.m. at the Exhibition Centre. Doors open at 5 p.m. to allow access to information displays and experts who will be on hand. - --- MAP posted-by: Elizabeth Wehrman