Pubdate: Fri, 31 Dec 2010
Source: Packet & Times (CN ON)
Copyright: 2010 Osprey Media Group Inc.
Contact:  http://www.orilliapacket.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2397
Author: Brian Lilley
Cited: report from the Commons public safety 
committee  http://drugsense.org/url/hj9Foxzp
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/hr.htm (Harm Reduction)

FREE DRUGS FOR INMATES?

OTTAWA -- Convicts in federal jails could get free heroin or needles 
if a report from a group of MPs is implemented.

A report from the Commons public safety committee calls for "harm 
reduction" which could include an expansion of free drugs for inmates 
in federal prisons.

"We didn't get into specifics," said Liberal public safety critic 
Mark Holland when asked if his party would support needle exchanges 
or safe injection sites in prisons. "We're simply saying to the 
government they have to do more."

"We have a huge problem with infectious disease in our prisons," Holland said.

The Liberal MP told QMI Agency that while it would be nice to get rid 
of all drugs in prisons, that simply isn't realistic and he wants 
harm reduction to be part of a drug treatment strategy to help 
addicts kick the habit.

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation told QMI Agency that while harm 
reduction in some circumstances may work, in this case it is the wrong move.

"If prisoners were getting machineguns into prisons would we give 
them pistols in exchange because it's less dangerous?" asked Derek 
Fildebrant with the CTF.

Fildebrant said taxpayers money should not be used to supply inmates 
with drugs or drug paraphanelia like needles.

Michael Patton, a spokesman for Public Safety Minister Vic Toews, 
said the government will not endorse the report's recommendations.

"We are opposed, and will always be opposed, to giving out needles to 
prisoners," Patton said.

"Illicit drugs in federal prisons compromise the safety and security 
of correctional staff as well as our communities."
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom