Pubdate: Wed, 20 Apr 2005
Source: National Post (Canada)
Copyright: 2005 Southam Inc.
Contact:  http://www.nationalpost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/286
Author: Vito Pilieci

CONSERVATIVES TAKE AIM AT CITY'S CRACK PIPE PROGRAM

Baird, Poilievre Kick Off Campaigns For Federal Seats

A rally of Ottawa Conservative party boosters managed to attract two 
political heavyweights and send City Hall a clear message about its crack 
pipe program last night.

More than 200 residents attended the latest meeting of the People's Voice, 
a community association headed by Terry Kilrea, to hear MP Pierre Poilievre 
and former provincial cabinet minister John Baird, who is taking aim at a 
federal seat in Ottawa West-Nepean.

The pair used the night to kick off their election campaigns and blast the 
minority Liberal government, even though no election has been called.

Mr. Kilrea also used the occasion to announce his intentions to run for 
mayor in the next municipal election. He said he will officially kick off 
his campaign in January.

Mr. Poilievre said: "If you are not with the Conservatives, you are with 
the adscammers. It's time to end the rule of the caviar-eating, 
limousine-riding Liberals."

The night was also used to collect public feedback about two city 
initiatives, the crack pipe program and a proposed francophone centre for 
Ottawa's western half. More than 190 people voted against the initiatives 
in a vote that was held during the rally.

The negative feedback about the programs will be back to City Hall by 
Councillor Rick Chiarelli, who stands staunchly against the crack pipe program.

"I wanted to get the message out that people can still have a voice in this 
debate," Mr. Chiarelli said, adding that discussion about the program will 
be re-opened at city council tomorrow.

"I hope that council members pay attention to these people."

Mr. Chiarelli has been against the program since it was introduced late 
last year. He said he has supported many of the initiatives that Robert 
Cushman, Ottawa's chief medical officer, has proposed. But he said the 
crack pipe issue, which is suppose to help cut the spread of diseases, is a 
lame duck.

"Dr. Cushman has done a lot of good things," Mr. Chiarelli said. "But he 
doesn't hit a home run every time. This is one of those times."

However, while he had no strong feelings about the crack pipe program, 
34-year-old resident Marc Robichard said he worried the People's Voice 
referendum may go too far to derail a worthwhile initiative such as the 
proposed francophone centre.

Mr. Robichard said last night's vote, which they called a referendum, was 
conducted by a collection of people with a clear agenda. He said it was not 
a group of community members, discussing and debating the issue.

"Look, there are 21,000 francophones in western Ottawa," said Mr. 
Robichard. "This would be a great asset to our community."

Mr. Kilrea fired back at those who would question the validity of his 
group's referendum last night.

"I don't see others organizing this," he said. "Dr. Cushman and others at 
the city just dictate how it's going to be
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MAP posted-by: Beth