Pubdate: Mon, 28 Mar 2005 Source: Edson Leader (CN AB) Copyright: 2005 Edson Leader Contact: http://www.edsonleader.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/780 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) KEEP UP THE FIGHT Edson must take all the necessary steps to win the war against crystal methamphetamine. Meth is gripping Edson and can be indirectly seen through the number of thefts and break-ins. It's a plague in addicts because once they sampled the drug, it's difficult to fight the insatiable craving for more. Yellowhead MP Rob Merrifield and West Yellowhead MLA Ivan Strang are doing their part by introducing legislation in their respective political assemblies. Merrifield has tabled C-349 in Parliament and the bill would see limitations placed on the possession and distribution of certain chemicals, which are used in meth production. Strang introduced Bill 204 at the provincial legislature so storage and sale of ephedrine, psuedeophedrine and products containing the two drugs can be regulated. However, once these laws are passed, they will not be effective unless funding is in place to keep an eye on who is purchasing the materials to produce meth. The federal and provincial governments must budget money for more police and a type of system that can regulate the sale of these materials. The proposed legislation must also consider the people who need access to ephedrine and psuedeopherine, which can be found in certain cold medicines. Current steps in Edson such as the education efforts by the Edson and District Drug Action Coalition are making small waves. By reaching out to teens before they are tempted to try a drug, does help. What would be more effective is if meth addicts who are in recovery would speak out publicly about the drug. Living proof of the effects is a resounding image for teens. Edson's business community can take an active part in the fight by asking their employees to take drug tests. Many merchants and companies have been affected by thefts, vandalism and ineffective employees who could be using meth. Some say drug tests are an invasion of privacy. But meth has invaded our community by disrupting people's lives through the criminal activity and loss of livelihood once they become addicts. Federal and provincial politicians should be ashamed if they do not pass the proposed bills. Communities across Alberta and Canada are searching for solutions to rid their crystal meth problems. In Edson, we must be thankful for Strang and Merrifield who understand what our region is struggling against. They are not going to give up the fight against meth and our community should not either. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin