The justice system, the Gomery Inquiry and same sex marriages were just three of the topics discussed at a town hall meeting hosted by Yellowhead MP Rob Merrifield, April 16. Fifty people turned out at the Pioneer Cabin for the afternoon session, where Merrifield took questions throughout on various issues. Something has to done to plug the holes in the nation's criminal justice system, which continues to cater more to the offender than it does to the victim, said Merrifield. [continues 471 words]
To the Editor: I read with interest three letters in the April 4th edition of your paper. They all debase the heartfelt letter written by Joyce Roth in the March 28th edition. In her letter, Roth outlined her concerns about the dangers of drugs. Some of them from personal experience within her own family. Thank you Joyce for taking the time to warn the Canadian public about the devastating drugs, including the dangerous drug marijuana, which is available to our youth. [continues 60 words]
To the Editor: I find it amazing that Joyce Roth would willfully ignore what we know to be the truth, and call for the continuation of the crusade against marijuana and its users (Letters, March 28). She states incorrectly that the Mounties killed at Mayerthorpe "died in the line of duty in the war against drugs (marijuana). Not. They were there to investigate a series of auto thefts. Then she goes on to talk about drugs killing people. There is not one death attributable to marijuana consumption in the history of mankind. [continues 73 words]
To the Editor: Re: Editorial, Keep up the fight (March 28) How should Alberta respond to the growing use of methamphetamine? Here in the United States, New York City chose the zero tolerance approach during the crack epidemic of the '80s. Meanwhile, Washington, DC Mayor Marion Barry was smoking crack and America's capital had the highest per capita murder rate in the country. Yet crack use declined in both cities simultaneously. The decline was not due to a slick anti-drug advertising campaign or the passage of mandatory minimum sentencing laws. Simply put, the younger generation saw firsthand what crack was doing to their older siblings and decided for themselves that crack was bad news. [continues 149 words]
To the Editor: The comments made by Joyce Roth (Letters, March 28) highlight how ignorant we still are about drugs in this part of the world. When the Netherlands liberalized their marijuana laws, they were rewarded with a decrease in new hard-drug addicts. If crystal meth is not sold by marijuana dealers, it makes it a lot harder for marijuana users to progress to meth. England has just decriminalized weed and was rewarded with a decrease in marijuana use. It seems it is not as attractive when you can't get arrested for it. Even our own Senate endorses these positions. [continues 69 words]
Politicians at two different levels of government launched assaults last week in the war against a drug that has plagued the Yellowhead Region for years. Zahra Jamal and Tyler Waugh Leader and Hinton Parklander staff Legislation was tabled at both the provincial and federal levels that looks to restrict the distribution of chemicals used to produce crystal methamphetamine. Last session the private members Bill C-349, "An Act to Amend the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act," died on the order paper, but Yellowhead MP Rob Merrifield recalled it on March 21. [continues 770 words]
To the Editor: I feel compelled to write this in light of the tragedy our nation suffered with the passing of four of our finest. The four young men died in the line of duty in the war against drugs (marijuana). Our whole nation is mourning these young men with good reason. I am writing as a mother, a citizen of this country who is also in a war against drugs every day. I mourn for these four officers but I think this country also needs to mourn the hundreds of young men and women who die every day because of drugs. [continues 207 words]
Edson must take all the necessary steps to win the war against crystal methamphetamine. Meth is gripping Edson and can be indirectly seen through the number of thefts and break-ins. It's a plague in addicts because once they sampled the drug, it's difficult to fight the insatiable craving for more. Yellowhead MP Rob Merrifield and West Yellowhead MLA Ivan Strang are doing their part by introducing legislation in their respective political assemblies. Merrifield has tabled C-349 in Parliament and the bill would see limitations placed on the possession and distribution of certain chemicals, which are used in meth production. [continues 307 words]
Apart From Individuals Gasping In Shock Every Now and Then, Not Even a Pin Drop Could Be Heard In The Silence. The audience was taken to the front line of car collisions by renowned speaker Norbert Georget at Holy Redeemer Junior/Senior High School last Monday. Georget, a former paramedic from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, who became sick to his stomach one day with the number of casualties he witnessed resulting from drug and alcohol abuse, decided to show students the aftermath of accidents through a slide show. [continues 517 words]
Edson's business community was reminded of the important role they might play in the life of a drug user. This discussion took place during a luncheon for the Edson and District Chamber of Commerce at the Best Western High Road Inn last Wednesday. The guest speakers were Edith Zuidhof-Knoop, co-chair of the Edson and District Drug Action Coalition (EDDAC) and Edson RCMP officer Glenn Henry, who came to talk about Edson's growing methamphetamine problem. "You are one of the most influential people in a user's life," said Zuidhof-Knoop. [continues 351 words]
Yellowhead County council is calling for a regional joint meeting with drug coalition groups in order to create a regional approach to fighting drugs. The call came at last Tuesday's council meeting in Edson following a donation request from the Edson and District Drug Coalition (EDDAC). The Edson and area group was asking for $12,000 from council to help in its fight against the methamphetamine and related drug problems. Div. 8 Coun. Jack Williams felt there is some degree of overlap from the various drug awareness/action groups in the region. [continues 363 words]
A bill that may be a dream come true to some parents and an invasion of rights for their kids will proceed with its first reading on March 3. Bill 202, legislation that forces drug-addicted youth into treatment, will be introduced by Red Deer Conservative MLA Mary Anne Jablonski. "I'm doing this because of the number of parents that have come to me asking for help, desperate and heart-broken," said the MLA. "They tell me all the horrors -- children not coming home, not eating, honour students whose grades have gone down. And they have no more control over their child." [continues 394 words]
Drug Proofing Your Kids Is Possible. That's what parents will soon learn when the Edson and District Drug Action Coalition holds a course "How to Drug Proof Your Kids" this month. Six Edsonites became facilitators for the course last October and are ready to put what they learned into action. The facilitators will teach other parents about drug prevention and how to communicate with their kids. "The same principles can be applied from birth to the time when your children leave home. There are very few courses with that flexibility," said facilitator and co-chair of the Drug Action Coalition Edith Zuidhof-Knoop. [continues 457 words]
They're testing drivers for illegal drugs in Australia, but don't worry about it happening here. "We might see that in Canada, but not any time soon," said Alberta Motor Association manager of policy and promotions Scott Wilson. Australia is currently taking saliva samples of drivers, testing for signs of THC, the main ingredient in marijuana and for methamphetamine use. The program is part of a year-long trail period in order to cut down on the high number of road fatalities. [continues 362 words]
Marlboro residents turned out in good numbers on Nov. 20 to find out all about mocktails, methamphetamine and other drugs. The Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission (AADAC) and the Edson RCMP teamed up for the session at the Marlboro Community Hall, which attracted between 30 and 40 residents. The event was a success, said AADAC Edson area supervisor Edith Zuidhof-Knoop. "I think it was pretty well received. I was really happy with the turnout." Zuidhof-Knoop was kept busy throughout the session making mocktails, non-alcoholic drinks, whose taste resembles their alcoholic counterparts. She also answered residents' questions relating to alcohol and drug abuse. [continues 215 words]
Drug awareness will be heightened in Marlboro after Nov. 20. Edson Leader -- That's when Marlboro Community Health Council, Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission, Edson RCMP and Edson Community Health Services will host a Meth 101 and Mocktail Party. The idea to have an information session on drugs sprouted from a health fair in Marlboro, said Dixie Ploentzke, one of the event's organizers. There will be speakers, mocktails and desserts during the two-hour event. All ages are welcome to attend. [continues 86 words]
An upcoming conference in Hinton will be targeting communities to act on the methamphetamine problem. Edson Leader -- Members of the Edson and District Drug Action Coalition will be attending the conference, which will be held from Oct. 3 to 5, said co-chair Edith Zuidhof-Knoop. "A fair number of the drug coalition is going to get information and to network with other communities," said Zuidhof-Knoop. Some members of the coalition will be speaking at the conference, hosted by the Hinton Drug Action Committee. [continues 351 words]
For those who are struggling with methamphetamine problems, there is now a self-help recovery group available. The group has been meeting on a weekly basis since its formation in May, said Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission (AADAC) Edson area supervisor Edith Zuidhof-Knoop. Meetings are every Thursday evening at 7:30 p.m. in the Edson Friendship Centre. Child care services are available. "The majority who have been attending have been dealing with meth issues," said Zuidhof-Knoop, adding other addictions are often touched on, but the main focus is on meth. [continues 168 words]
Potential methamphetamine manufacturers beware -- Edson-and-area businesspeople know the potential ingredients of the drug and are monitoring the products which go into it. The Alberta College of Pharmacists, along with its member drug stores, recently agreed to put products which contain ephedrine and pseudoepedrine behind the counter. Both are prime ingredients in one form of the drug. But that's not all, as hardware stores and stores which carry hardware products, are monitoring potential meth ingredient purchases in their stores. [continues 277 words]
Your nose and a little common sense can go a long way in helping the RCMP find and shut down methamphetamine labs. The two biggest indicators there may be a meth lab in your neighbourhood are strong acidic smells, part of the cooking process. "The majority of cooks do it at night," said Sanderson. Another indicator is increasing totals of garbage on or near the residence, said Sgt. Ian Sanderson of the RCMP's Drug Awareness Service-Red Deer North. When it comes to waste piles, a tip-off to a possible meth lab includes an unusual number of of discarded coffee filters, rock salt materials and bed sheets, which are often stained with a red-pasty substance. [continues 223 words]
The recent move by Alberta pharamacies to help in the battle against methamphetamine isn't enough, says the local drug action committee chair. "I think it's a good start. There needs to be other areas to fall into place to help it out," said Mike Butler, chair of the Edson and District Drug Action Coalition. Pharmacies have volunteered to restrict access to ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, two of the ingredients used to produce meth. Butler said the federal government should pass legislation to help police charge drug dealers who are caught with the ingredients to make meth. Charges can only be laid if the ingredients are mixed together. [continues 190 words]
It's an event which many will remember for the rest of their lives and the information they learned might even save them grief later on in life. One hundred and thirty-five Grade 6 students from Pine Grove Middle School graduated from the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program in an afternoon ceremony last Wednesday at the Edson Royal Canadian Legion. The ceremony not only gave the students time to reflect, but the guest speakers and members of the audience as well. [continues 347 words]
Edson businesses should be handling credit cards more carefully as the transactions could be linked to methamphetamine users, warned a Edson RCMP member. Corp. Glenn Henry and Rania Page, an addictions counselor with the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission (AADAC), advised businesses how to handle meth-related problems at the Edson and District Chamber of Commerce meeting, May 26. Henry cited one example where a woman allegedly financed her addiction by using stolen credit cards over the phone. He later explained that RCMP believe addicts use a barter system with their meth suppliers. For example, cigarettes would be used as currency to pay for a hit of meth, also known as speed. The cigarettes would be obtained by using the stolen credit card. [continues 194 words]
The Edson and District Drug Action Coalition (EDDAC) sub-committees are ready to begin their daunting task of eradicating the town's drug problem. Members of the sub-committees updated the Edson Interagency Council on where they're at, at the council's monthly meeting, last Monday. Drug prevention Elfie Montanus spoke on behalf of the drug prevention sub-committee. She said members decided to focus primarily on youth right now. "We thought that would be the best approach right now," Montanus said. [continues 605 words]
The Edson and District Drug Action Coalition (EDDAC) is taking a stand against drugs, specifically methamphetamine. Through organized meetings and pre-planned activities, the EDDAC hopes to lower the meth use in Edson and contribute to educating the population on the drug and its consequences. "We have a template of goals, objectives and activities to be done," said Mike Butler, co-chair of the EDDAC. The coalition has a steering committee of 11 and five smaller sub-committees. The steering committee will be meeting March 25 to organize a master timeline after targets are received from each sub-committee. The timeline will run for an entire year and will be in place to prevent overlapping of events. The timeline will also ensure events are continuing throughout the year - not all at the beginning and tapering off towards the end, Butler said. [continues 202 words]
The Lobstick Community Learning Society (LCLS) will be giving parents the tools needed to help keep their kids off drugs. The Drug Proof your Kids program will help parents influence their children's choices, said LCLS coordinator Nancy Dinsdale. "The program outlines what parents can do to keep (their kids) drug free," Dinsdale said. She said parents in the east end of Yellowhead County have been asking for a program like this - especially those with children entering the junior high ranks. Drug Proof your Kids is suited best for that age group because the award-winning program focuses on prevention and early intervention. [continues 339 words]
The Edson and District Drug Coalition formed its sub-committees, during an organizational meeting last Wednesday. Mike Butler, steering committee member and director of community services for the Town of Edson, said members of the coalition were named to the sub-committee(s), which they felt would best suit them. Members hail from the town, county, RCMP, AADAC, children's services, education, justice, health, the ministerial association and a person who has been directly effected by drug use. Sub-committee chairs were then named and meetings were set. Each sub-committee has to come up with a rough plan of what it hopes to accomplish, by Feb. 10. The steering committee will then discuss these options during its Feb. 13 meeting and then decide what its next course of action will be, Butler said. [continues 331 words]
National Addictions Awareness Week (NAAW) encompasses a lot of problem habits, but in Edson that focus will once again be on methamphetamine use in the community. Edson's meth problem is being addressed at an open information presentation, hosted by AADAC, on Nov. 19 at the Edson and District Healthcare Centre's education room as part of this week, which runs from Nov. 16-22. The presentation will deal with what meth is, how it is used and concerns from the public. Questions will be fielded by AADAC representative Edith Zuidhof-Knoop. [continues 157 words]
It seems everybody these days is talking about methamphetamine and its availability to people in Yellowhead County. With Edson forming a new drug coalition, it was only a matter of time before Yellowhead County council was approached to help with the new drug task force. Edson RCMP Corp. Glenn Henry presented meth information to council at its committee of the whole meeting Oct. 20. Henry mostly relayed information from the meth meeting held in Edson Oct. 8 but he couldn't divulge all information at the meeting. [continues 806 words]
The Oct. 8 Dialogue on Drugs meeting brought 27 key agencies and individuals together to discuss and create an action plan to help reduce drug abuse, more specifically methamphetamine use, within our community. The group acknowledged that Edson has a serious problem with crystal meth and is very determined to do something about it. Discussions centered around activities that could be carried out to deliver the desirable outcome of reduced use of methamphetamines in Edson and the development of a core committee group to begin developing strategies. [continues 128 words]
After months of talk, action against Edson's methamphetamine problem is finally taking shape. "It's plugging along," said Edson RCMP Corp. Glenn Henry. Community groups, schools, health councils, churches, law enforcement and political figures will all be part of a meth coalition to combat the drug and its effects on Edson citizens. The first meeting is set for Oct. 8 at the Edson Fire Hall. "We want the meeting to be very focused with key individuals. We're hoping for a lot of positive feedback," said Mike Butler, co-organizer of the coalition and Edson's director of community services. [continues 269 words]
Edson Has A Drug Problem. Methamphetamine use has continued to create numerous problems in the Edson area, including increased theft, and the issue had just recently been brought to town council's attention. At the regular meeting of council held July 15, councillors discussed future strategies and possible meeting dates in an overall effort to try and control the situation. Councillors, especially the mayor, met the problem with shock and surprise. "I had no idea it was such a huge concern," Mayor Gary Mahon said at an earlier town council meeting. [continues 179 words]
Edson's methamphetamine problem has been the topic of various meetings in the community and there are more discussions scheduled for the future. At the regular meeting of Edson town council on June 17, Mayor Gary Mahon spoke about some of the meetings he's attended and how more discussion is needed to help solve the problem. The problem and possible solutions will be discussed further at a protective services committee meeting on June 27, which is open to public. The meeting will be held at the Edson Fire Hall beginning at 10 a.m. [continues 210 words]
Many teens feel like risk takers but there is a way to have fun and take a risk without breaking the law. The Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission (AADAC) is bringing excitement and an adrenaline rush to youths through a number of risk taking activities. Included in this spectacle is a climbing wall and two motivational media presentations, as well as other risky activities, yet to be finalized. "We're still in the information gathering stages but it's all coming together and we're really excited," said AADAC coordinator Edith Zuidhof-Knoop. [continues 181 words]
To the Editor: I just read a letter to the editor from Debbie Rose (Nov. 12 Edson Leader) on the no smoking ban and I would like to say, on behalf of the smokers, that people take this no smoking to extremes as they do most things. As far as second hand smoke goes, I am not saying it does not harm people but the percentage of the people that die from it is like one per cent and how I know this is that I am a cancer survivor and I have read up a lot on this smoking thing. [continues 75 words]
And The Survey Says The Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission (AADAC) is conducting a survey within Alberta high schools. The survey will gauge alcohol consumption, drug use and gambling among students in Grades 10 through 12. Parkland Composite High School in Edson is one of the 100 schools participating in the survey, which will be conducted throughout November. The school's participation was confirmed during the Sept. 4 Grande Yellowhead Regional Division board of trustees meeting. Over 4,000 students, province-wide, will be participating. [continues 172 words]
Drug addiction is an ugly problem and it's hard for families to live with. Mary* has been living with a partner that has been addicted to cocaine for many years. 'I met Joe* when we were 16. He started with marijuana, then it led to cocaine. He used to use cocaine every now and then but it became a problem when he was 18 and we moved to Toronto,' Mary said. 'We were living together and it seemed like every time we got paid all our money went towards drugs,' she said. [continues 890 words]
Edson has a drug problem and it goes by the name of methamphetamines, or as it's commonly called, speed. "There's certainly a presence of speed here in our community. The province has a reputation for being in the speed corridor," said Edith Zuidhof-Knoop, supervisor of the Edson Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission office. "Edson has a reputation for speed being readily available," she added. "I would agree there is a drug problem in Edson. Typically we see a methamphetamine problem. Most of our crime originates from the drug problem," said Const. Kent Dahl of the RCMP. [continues 448 words]
Students Learn Something Every Day. Their teachers work hard so they can learn the fundamentals of reading, writing and arithmetic in order to give each student the best possible chance of pursuing a post-secondary education. But what about the other aspects of a student's life? There's the growing pressure of experimenting with drugs, alcohol and tobacco that children in Gr. 6 have to face every day. As children grow older the pressure mounts, and mounts, and mounts. School administration knew this was an issue and, about six years ago, found an effective way to educate students about the harmful effects of drugs, alcohol and tobacco. [continues 348 words]
A new parent information series from the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission (AADAC) can help parents and youngsters cope and even prevent drug and alcohol dependency. The series offers advice on how parents can guide their children, from the elementary years, through their teen years. The first part of the series, called Create It, deals with how parents can deal with issues which affect younger children. Part two, Nurture It, deals with issues which affect older children, while, Choose It, deals with issues such as raves, drug and alcohol use. [continues 344 words]
A toll-free, 24-hour crisis line and an eventual youth detoxification centre are part of a new youth-at-risk program unveiled Jan. 12 by the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission (AADAC). The program, the second part of an AADAC pilot project, is aimed at youth at risk of developing alcohol, drug or gambling problems. While many of the extra resources such as staffing are targeted for the larger urban areas, youth in the smaller rural centres will also benefit, said Marsh Hoke, AADAC Edson area office supervisor. [continues 409 words]
The DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program is in full swing at elementary schools in the area, teaching children how to say no and boosting self-esteem. Grade 6 students learn about more than just drugs in the 17-week course says Edson and District RCMP Const. Kent Dahl, who teaches the course. "We do teach the children to say no to drugs but the program also teaches them social skills that will stay with them the rest of their lives," said Dahl. [continues 322 words]
To the Editor: The RCMP are to be thanked for their thorough police work, which resulted in the seizure of a large quantity of drugs, as reported in the Edson Leader Feb. 22. Drugs are a serious problem that society has yet to solve. The recent Check Stop at the Jasper Park Gates, Feb. 7-12, fits a pattern that should concern us as much as drug addiction. Frequently our freedom is being restricted in the name of the general good. [continues 218 words]
After two years of teaching students how to say no to drugs, Edson RCMP Const. Wally Henry is ready to put another group of Grade 6 students through the DARE program. "They say the average life expectancy of a DARE instructor is three years, but I still look forward to going to the schools," he said. "It's a nice break from the regular office routine." Established in 1983 in Los Angeles, Henry said DARE has grown to become a world-wide program to combat the war on drugs. [continues 486 words]
Five years ago, a group of concerned parents asked AADAC addictions counsellor Marsh Hoke to help arm them so they could protect their kids from drugs. Last week, a similar meeting was held in the library of Jubilee Junior High School - but there was less tension and that's good news. I remember attending that meeting and how some parents were adamant that their kids weren't using speed, while others were worried sick about their kids, who they thought were using it. [continues 445 words]
