Pubdate: Thu, 06 Oct 2005 Source: Burnaby Newsleader (CN BC) Copyright: 2005 Burnaby Newsleader Contact: http://www.burnabynewsleader.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1315 Author: Joyce Murray Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?241 (Methamphetamine - Canada) PROBLEMS STEMMING FROM CRYSTAL METH ADDICTION NEED TO BE ADDRESSED BY NW New Westminster must take action on the growing problems caused by crystal meth addiction in our city. Recently, I attended a committee meeting whose purpose was completely unrelated to drug addiction. But for the first half-hour committee members felt compelled to share their recent first-hand experiences of how the crystal meth problem is worsening here in our city. They told of the increasing number of vulnerable people succumbing to this addiction, and of the increasing instances of aggressive and psychotic behavior characteristic of crystal meth addiction. This drug is cheap and easily available. At first it makes the user feel good. Then it causes permanent brain damage, psychosis, suicide attempts, distressed families and, sometimes, danger to innocent bystanders. It's urgent that the community comes together to reduce the harm caused by the use of this drug. We need to help those caught in the grip of the addiction, and we also need to protect citizens whose safety is at risk in some of our neighbourhoods, businesses and shops where addicts gather. I've been getting this message for some time, which is why last fall I organized a Crystal Meth Prevention Forum, held at Lord Kelvin gym, aimed at informing parents of younger children. Some people were skeptical about the urgency for community action. Since that time the facts are starting to prove me right. Our Forum was an emotional evening, very well attended thanks to the expert panel members and a lot of volunteer help. Feedback from people at the end of the night was virtually unanimous - we need more community involvement, more education, better coordination, further action. We need a next step in New Westminster. So what will that next step be? Other municipalities around us are taking action: the Tri-Cities are setting up a community task force structured around the topics of education, enforcement and treatment. Forums are being organized in Surrey and Chilliwack. Maple Ridge, Victoria and other cities already have initiatives underway. What about a New Westminster task force led by the city? With municipal elections just a few weeks away I would like to hear from our mayoral and council candidates. What is your plan? Under your leadership will our city bring people together to tackle this monster, or will we let the destructive rampage continue? If the city is willing to set up a task force you can count on me to volunteer for it. Joyce Murray former MLA for New Westminster - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin