Pubdate: Thu, 15 May 2008
Source: Victoria Times-Colonist (CN BC)
Copyright: 2008 Times Colonist
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/481
Author: Arielle Godbout, Canwest News Service
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topic/insite (Insite)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?142 (Supervised Injection Sites)

FUTURE OF DRUG SITE REMAINS UNCLEAR

OTTAWA -- The fate of Vancouver's safe-injection site is still in 
question following an announcement on treatment and care for addicts 
in that city. Both federal Health Minister Tony Clement and Vancouver 
Mayor Sam Sullivan participated in a news conference yesterday, but 
neither would answer questions about InSite, North America's first 
safe-injection site.

Speaking to reporters in Ottawa, Clement announced a $10-million 
grant for treatment services in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, 
including money for community-based health professionals and 20 new 
treatment beds for vulnerable women.

However, he refused to say whether InSite will be allowed to operate 
past June 30, when its three-year operating exemption under the 
Controlled Drugs and Substances Act expires.

"I really can't help you with that aspect of your story," Clement 
repeatedly told reporters.

Sullivan, who supports InSite, also declined to speculate on the 
project's future, saying that it will be resolved soon. Participating 
in the announcement by teleconference from Vancouver, he said the 
promised treatment services are expected to help the city clean up 
its troubled Downtown Eastside before the 2010 Olympics.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom