Pubdate: Mon, 17 Oct 2005
Source: Province, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2005 The Province
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/vancouver/theprovince/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/476
Author: David Carrigg

MAYOR SLAMMED ON CRYSTAL METH

Sullivan rejects notion that it's not a big problem

Vancouver mayoral candidate Sam Sullivan yesterday lambasted outgoing
Mayor Larry Campbell for his position on crystal meth.

During a Vancouver drug forum on Saturday, Campbell described as
"garbage" the notion crystal meth is a huge Canadian problem.

Campbell said scare tactics and hype surrounding crystal meth should
be replaced with housing and social services for addicts.

Sullivan said crystal-meth use is increasing among street youth, gay
men and young girls.

B.C. drug treatment centres say crystal-meth addiction is the most
prevalent among new patients. The number of people who have died of
crystal-meth incidents rose from three to 33 a year between 2000 and
2004.

"For Mayor Campbell to say that the community's concern about crystal
meth is garbage is completely unacceptable," said Sullivan.

"There are so many youth and families who have been devastated by the
drug."

Sullivan also challenged rival mayoral candidate Jim Green to respond
to Campbell's comment.

Green said crystal-meth use is a problem in Vancouver, but Campbell
was trying to place the problem in proportion.

"We've still got heroin and crack," he said.

"We've seen Sam's irresponsible behaviour when it comes to trying to
understand drugs.

"If I had a choice between [Sullivan] who experiments with people's
lives in a dark corner, and [Campbell] a former RCMP narcotics officer
and former coroner, I'd go with Larry Campbell in a heartbeat."

Green was referring to Sullivan's admission that he bought crack
cocaine for a Downtown Eastside addict and watched him smoke it.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Give us your comments by fax at 604-605-2223, or by e-mail Be sure to spell out your first and last names and give your hometown.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Matt Elrod