Pubdate: Fri, 28 Oct 2005
Source: Etobicoke Guardian (CN ON)
Copyright: 2005 Etobicoke Guardian
Contact:  http://www.insidetoronto.ca/to/etobicoke/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2218
Author: Stuart Green
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/hr.htm (Harm Reduction)

HEALTH BOARD BACKS DRUG PLAN

Toronto's board of health overwhelmingly backed a bold new strategy for 
dealing with the city's chronically addicted drug users setting the stage 
for a potentially heated debate.

The strategy's 66 recommendations include studying the establishment of 
safe injection sites similar to those in other cities, handing out pipes to 
crack addicts and offering council's support of a move to decriminalize the 
possession of small amounts of marijuana.

The board's approval came despite concerns from residents mostly in the 
downtown area, who fear their communities will become home to safe 
injection sites.

Suzanne Edmonds of the Corktown Residents and Business Association said the 
strategy has the potential to do more harm than good and create more 
problems than it solves.

"You will see 'Toronto the Good' become 'Toronto the Weak,'" she said. "We 
will be a seen as a city that has thrown up its hands and admitted defeat."

She said the city should be focusing on reduction through counseling, 
detox, rehabilitation and stiff penalties for drug use instead if 
encouraging its use.

The strategy, championed by downtown Ward 27 Councillor Kyle Rae (Toronto 
Centre-Rosedale) also covers a range of areas beyond that, including 
emphasizing drug abuse prevention programs in schools and looking at 
strategies for getting rid of marijuana grow houses.

Dr. Peter Selby of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health called the 
plan "forward thinking and comprehensive."
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom