Pubdate: Mon, 16 Oct 2006 Source: Wetaskiwin Times Advertiser (CN AB) Copyright: 2006 Wetaskiwin Times Advertiser Contact: http://www.wetaskiwintimes.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2179 Author: Leroy Johnson, Wetaskiwin-Camrose GOVERNMENT WELCOMES RECOMMENDATIONS TO FIGHT CRYSTAL METH A comprehensive, ground-breaking blueprint for a strategy to battle the scourge of crystal methamphetamine has been received by the government of Alberta. Following consultations with Albertans, the Premier's Task Force on Crystal Meth has presented government with a comprehensive strategy to fight the growing problem of crystal methamphetamine in communities across the province. The report contains 83 recommendations in three predominant themes: prevention, healing and treatment and getting tough. Additional recommendations include taking a province-wide approach, supporting Aboriginal communities and improving services and assessing results Government will now consider the best way to coordinate implementation of the recommendations. Some recommendations, such as website prevention strategies, leadership in drug education, street and drug intelligence teams, detoxification and treatment and evaluation and measurement will build on work already being done and can be adopted more easily and quickly. Other recommendations, such as law enforcement and education, resources for treatment, support and after care, school policies, drug testing orders and information sharing will require collaboration across ministries. Some of the recommendations require policy or legislative change and in some instances coordination with federal and local jurisdictions. These recommendations include: mobilizing communities, support for municipal drug prevention, criminal penalties, precursor licensing and clean-up of contaminated drug sites. Alberta has taken an active role in lobbying for changes to federal legislation and will consider these recommendations as the push for stronger criminal law is continued. The Premier's Task Force on Crystal Meth was announced by Premier Ralph Klein in October 2005. Its purpose was to build on the work already being done and to champion, review and advise on government strategies. In preparing its final report, the Task Force consulted with hundreds of Albertans and visited a dozen communities. In addition to awareness, prevention, treatment and healing, the task force considered legislation, enforcement and environmental concerns as part of its overall strategy. The Report and Recommendations of the Premier's Task Force on Crystal Meth is available by calling 310-4455 toll-free or on-line at http://www.stopmeth.alberta.ca. I would like to personally thank Drayton Valley Mayor Diana McQueen for all her time and efforts spent serving on this task force. Your hard work has not gone un-noticed by Premier Ralph Klein. As the MLA for Drayton Valley-Calmar, I am always available to assist constituents. If you have any questions or concerns about the recommendations of the Premier's Task Force on Crystal Meth, or any other matter, I can be reached in my constituency office at 542-3355, or in Edmonton at (780) 415-9466. - --- MAP posted-by: Elaine