Pubdate: Wed, 07 Dec 2005
Source: Victoria Times-Colonist (CN BC)
Copyright: 2005 Times Colonist
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/481
Author: Brad Hankinson
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/hr.htm (Harm Reduction)

HARPER'S DRUG POLICY WILL LET US DOWN

While Stephen Harper's tough position on drug crime should not come 
as a surprise to British Columbians ("Harper pledges drug crackdown," 
Dec. 4), his proposal falls short of constituting a responsible 
approach to the drug problem facing many urban centres in British Columbia.

Harper's no-tolerance approach to drug crime is a simplistic attitude 
that sees drug use as merely unethical and criminal behaviour that 
demands punishment. From his viewpoint, safe-injection sites seem to 
represent state-sponsored encouragement of drug use.

Harper's stance also allows him to avoid alienating like-minded 
voters who prefer a more conservative approach to Canada's 
controversial drug issues. However, as Victoria Liberal candidate 
David Mulroney pointed out, we need only look across the border to 
the United States and realize that toughening our drug laws will not 
ease, let alone eliminate, Canada's drug-related social ills.

As long as there is a demand for illegal drugs, the drugs will be 
made available.

It is well publicized that the installation of the safe-injection 
site in Vancouver has reduced overdoses and drug-related deaths. 
Safe-injection sites and harm-reduction programs could assist in 
keeping our communities desirable places to live -- something that 
I'm sure Harper and all Canadians value.

Harper's "crime and punishment" approach to drug use in Canada might 
be a safe bet amongst some Conservative voters in the upcoming 
election. However, this is the kind of commitment that, like similar 
drug policies elsewhere, will let Canadians down.

Brad Hankinson,

Victoria.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman