Pubdate: Sat, 15 Oct 2005
Source: Regina Leader-Post (CN SN)
Copyright: 2005 The Leader-Post Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/regina/leaderpost/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/361
Author: Heather Polischuk

CALVERT LAUDED FOR ANTI-DRUG PROJECT

With Lorne Calvert slated to receive an award on Monday for his
actions against substance abuse, a Saskatchewan Party member said she
hopes the premier will use the award to work harder on drug issues.

June Draude, MLA for Kelvington-Wadena, known for pushing for better
programming and immediate help for drug addicts such as crystal meth
users, said she is pleased Calvert has managed to use his position to
take addictions issues to the national stage.

But she added more needs to be done here in Saskatchewan to combat
addictions and help those affected.

"He's introduced Project Hope which I wish could have been called
Project Action because really, it's three years before we're going to
see anything real happening," said Draude. "What I really, really want
to see happen is that something happens for the people. I'm not going
to be here forever and if somebody gets an award for doing something,
then they'd better do it. That's my word to the premier: If you're
given an award for doing something, do it. Don't just talk about,
don't just hope about it, don't just promise it, do it."

In August, Calvert unveiled Project Hope, a $30-million three-year
plan to combat substance abuse by stepping up drug treatment and
prevention programs.

In part because of Project Hope, the Canadian Centre on Substance
Abuse, based in Ottawa, decided to bestow Calvert with the award,
which is only the second they have given out.

"It really is meant to honour his significant leadership and advocacy
on the issue of alcohol and other drugs in Saskatchewan," said Michel
Perron, CCSA chief executive officer.

"It takes a fair amount of determination and courage to take these
issues to the public and we really acknowledge what he's done in
Saskatchewan and we'd like to see that type of leadership across the
other provinces as well.

"The fact that the premier himself took this on, charged MLA (Graham)
Addley from Saskatoon with undertaking a fairly comprehensive review
and strategy and then responding with Project Hope, put his personal
imprint on that and that is something that we don't always see among
the highest political ranks."

Calvert said he was not aware of the award when told about it by
reporters Friday.

"I'm pleased to hear that. One appreciates any recognition but at the
end of the day the recognition is not anywhere near as important as
the work we're going to do to change lives in this province," Calvert
said.

However Draude said Calvert has not been as receptive to a private
members' bill she introduced earlier this year which, if passed, would
allow legal guardians to force their drug-addicted children under the
age of 18 into treatment.

Draude said that nothing has come of the bill and she will have to
reintroduce it.

"... I think we would send a really strong message if this government
can say that parents have not only the responsibility, but rights as
parents and they should be able to look after their kids," she said,
urging Calvert to reconsider passage of this bill. 
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