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.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman