Pubdate: Wed, 11 Jul 2007
Source: Victoria Times-Colonist (CN BC)
Copyright: 2007 Times Colonist
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/481
Author: Paul Arnold

SAFE-INJECTION SITES OFFER NO SOLUTION

Thank goodness the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce has announced 
it is "adamantly opposed" to the proposed drug consumption sites for Victoria.

Drug-addicted people are flocking here from across Canada to enjoy 
our good weather and our goodwill.

Mayor Alan Lowe and others are convinced the best way to deal with 
this crisis is to try to sweep it under the carpet by taking it off 
the streets and glossing it over in government-sponsored 
drug-consumption facilities. There has to be a better way.

Many of the desperate drug-addicted people in Victoria are crying out 
for help. Police officers who deal with this problem day after day 
are frustrated when they know there is no real assistance for them.

Our community needs to give the police a viable place to take these 
people when they plead for help. One possibility could be to convert 
William Head into a drug-rehabilitation centre. Residents would be 
required to become well, to work with the education, housing and 
occupational support staff and would only be allowed to graduate when 
they were ready to pursue a productive and healthy life.

Paul Arnold

Victoria.
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