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