Pubdate: Mon, 17 Oct 2005 Source: StarPhoenix, The (CN SN) Copyright: 2005 The StarPhoenix Contact: http://www.canada.com/saskatoon/starphoenix/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/400 Author: Heather Polischuk, Saskatchewan News Network; Regina Leader-Post SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROGRAM EARNS CALVERT AWARD REGINA -- Premier Lorne Calvert is slated to receive an award today for his actions against substance abuse, but a Saskatchewan Party MLA says she hopes he will use the honour to work harder on drug issues. June Draude, who has pushed 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 said more needs to be done 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 (CCSA), based in Ottawa, decided to bestow Calvert with the award, which is only the second it has 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 member's 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 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. - --- MAP posted-by: Elizabeth Wehrman