THE NEXT GENERATION

Editor, The Bulletin;

Our prime minister talks about a stronger Canada, for that we need
strong, supportive people.

In Canada we have a poison disease which is in full bloom and it is
ruining this generation of children. If we do not get assistance from
our government to deal with the drug issue, we may not have a next
generation to make a stronger Canada.

In Alberta, our premier needs to address this issue now. We need more
rehabilitation centres, knowledge and support so these kids can get
the proper help they need, so they can prosper.

This disease is not going away by itself, it is only going to get worse.

Right here in Brooks, our mayor needs to get his priorities straight.
This is supposed to be a city now, these kids need more facilities.
Putting these kids in jail is not the answer, it gets them off the
streets, but it is not the help they need, and it costs the taxpayers
big money to keep them there. But at the moment there does not seem
to be choice as what to do with the kids.

Some people may feel this is not their problem or does not involve
them, but eventually at some point in time it affects us all. The law
does what they can to get drugs off the streets, but it is big and
they cannot do it alone, and they are not babysitters.

Our government is concerned over the gases and pollution in the air.
Well, that is great, but drugs are a poison too, and we need to get
everyone involved to make the government deal with the issue. Where
is our country, our province going?

Our government, our premiers, our mayors designate millions of
dollars from the budgets for other causes and projects. This is a
great cause, that cannot wait.

There are not enough treatment centres, some charge big money, not
everyone can afford this, and the too few other facilities have a
long waiting list, which is too late for a lot of these kids. These
kids need the opportunity to get support and rehabilitation, for our
mayors and premiers, help us be heard and give these kids what they
need. They are our next generation.

Marilynn Smith