FEDERAL COMMITTEE STRUCK TO LOOK AT FUTURE OF DRUGS

It's time "to forget the bureaucrats who sit in tall buildings," says a
Canadian Alliance MP of a federal committee struck to study the non-medical
use of drugs in Canada.

That use includes drugs such as heroin, cocaine and marijuana, all three of
which were mentioned by Langley-Abbotsford MP Randy White in a recent
speech to the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce.

White said this week a Canadian Alliance motion to strike an all-party
committee was unanimously supported Thursday in the House of Commons.
"There are a lot of things to look at in this committee," said White. "We
need to examine these issues on the streets. Forget the bureaucrats who sit
in high buildings. Let's get down on the streets and figure how to fix this
thing.

"On behalf of our children and those who are addicted, I'm pleased we're
taking some action and doing something positive," he added.

Problems with drugs range from health issues to matters of justice,
sentencing and law enforcement, all of which the committee will study.

Members of the committee are expected to be announced by the beginning of
next month.

The final report is expected to be presented in the House no later than
November, 2002.