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
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin