SKEPTICISM ABOUT SAFE NEEDLE SITES

Alberta junkies shouldn't bank on the speedy creation of so-called
"safe injection sites" where they can get clean, free needles and
shoot up in a safe environment.

"We will wait until there's a pilot project in another city and have
had a chance to see how it goes," Alberta Health spokesman Michael
Shields said yesterday.

He was reacting to stories regarding the possible creation of safe
injection sites in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal. Experts at a
Senate committee hearing say the world's only formal safe injection
sites are in Europe and Australia.

Howard Faulkner, executive director of program services at the Alberta
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission, said it remains to be seen if the
idea is a good one.

He said that research at an existing site or a pilot program would be
key to deciding whether to create a program here.

"To be workable it would also have to be part of an overall strategy
that would include addiction treatment and prevention - not just free
needles and a safe environment," Faulkner said.

Alberta Health's position likely won't disappoint the Edmonton Police
Service.

"Obviously, from a health perspective ... (safe injection sites) would
be a bonus," police spokesman Wes Bellmore said. "But without changes
it would be hard to enforce."