Pubdate: Sat, 23 Feb 2013
Source: Calgary Herald (CN AB)
Copyright: 2013 Canwest Publishing Inc.
Contact: http://www2.canada.com/calgaryherald/letters.html
Website: http://www.calgaryherald.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/66
Author: Bill Graveland

PROVINCE SEEKS IDEAS ON 'CHRONIC' GROW-OPS

CALGARY - Alberta's justice minister says illegal marijuana grow-ops 
in the province have reached a "chronic" level and ideas are needed 
on how to deal with them.

Jonathan Denis announced plans Friday to get input from the public 
and relevant groups on ways to address health and safety concerns and 
to tackle criminal activity that stems from the illegal operations.

"What I'm interested in is what we can do as a province to address 
issues such as the grow-op you see behind me and to try and improve 
people's lives - and also to try and shut down the proceeds of 
organized crime," said Denis, who used a former grow-op home with a 
red security fence in northeast Calgary as a backdrop.

"Marijuana grow-ops pose a serious risk to the safety and health of 
Albertans, lead to increased organized criminal activity and are 
becoming a chronic presence throughout the province."

The province is asking a panel to hold consultations across the 
province. Members of the public can also make their voice heard by 
completing an online survey.

Input is being sought from police agencies, municipalities, fire 
officials and health, safety and building investigators, as well as 
from utility, mortgage and real estate companies and community leagues.

Denis said discussions are to focus on fire, electrical and 
structural hazards, how to remediate a home after a grow-op is 
dismantled and health issues involving chemical contamination and mould.

The consultations are expected to wrap up in May.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom