DRUG-FREE ZONE ANOTHER STEP CLOSER

First Meeting Since Motion Passed By Council

School representatives and public officials gathered last Tuesday to
discuss how the NWT's first drug-free zone will be implemented.

Mayor Gordon Van Tighem, Insp. Roch Fortin and Yk1 superintendent
Metro Huculak gathered with student representatives from both school
boards and RCMP officers to discuss details on how the initiative
will take form.

"It's more than just a sign," said Fortin. "The greatness of this
project is that people get together to make this work. There's some
incredible people behind this sign."

Although drugs are obviously illegal in all areas of the city, the
concept of a drug-free zone stems from section 10 of the Criminal
Code. That section states that a person could receive a more severe
sentence if caught trafficking in an area near a school, or near an
area frequented by persons under the age of 18.

Under this law, trafficking around youth is a factor that can be
considered as severe as if the person was also caught in possession
of a weapon, or used violence when arrested.

Yellowknife's drug-free zone will be around St. Patrick and Sir John
Franklin high schools, and will include Weledeh and the Kimberlite
Career and Technical Centre.

In addition to allowing greater powers of punishment, drug-free zones
are also about educating the public, said Van Tighem.

"It's another step in public education," he said.

The RCMP has appointed one officer, Const. Louis-Philippe Goulet, to
educate students about drugs. Booklets, pamphlets, and business cards
are also being prepared to hand out to the students.

Nickie Gordon, chair of the subcommittee for drug-free zones, said
that the initiative should be effective by Apr. 3.