Pubdate: Fri, 01 Sep 2006 Source: Province, The (CN BC) Copyright: 2006 The Province Contact: http://www.canada.com/theprovince/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/476 Author: Keith Fraser Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?142 (Supervised Injection Sites) VANCOUVER DRUG USERS SEEK INJUNCTION TO KEEP INSITE OPEN Deadline Looming: Feds Reluctant To Reveal Intentions For Safe-Injection Site A group that represents drug users is seeking a court injunction preventing the closure of Vancouver's safe-injection site. The Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users, which has some staff members at the site, is also seeking a declaration that the conduct of those members at the site doesn't amount to the commission of any offences at law. An exemption from any drug laws that are in place for those workers is not required or necessary, says a statement of claim filed in B.C. Supreme Court by VANDU. The Pivot Legal Society called the site a "success" in reducing the harm associated with injection drug use in Canada's poorest neighbourhood. "Despite widespread support, however, the Conservative government has refused to confirm that they will renew the permit for the site, due to expire Sept. 12." VANDU is represented by lawyer John Conroy, who is also a director of the society, but Conroy's office said yesterday he was withholding comment on the issue until Pivot holds a news conference today. Provincial and municipal authorities have said they support the site's continued operation, but the federal government has not yet announced its intentions. Prime Minister Stephen Harper said yesterday that a decision is expected "in the next few days" from Health Minister Tony Clement. Erik Waddell, press secretary for Clement, said the department had no comment on the writ but would make an announcement before Sept. 12 on the safe-injection site. Insite was opened in September 2003 as a pilot research project by the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority. The site has a 12-seat injection room where drug users can inject their own drugs under medical supervision. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman