FUTURE OF DRUG SITE REMAINS UNCLEAR

OTTAWA -- The fate of Vancouver's safe-injection site is still in
question following an announcement on treatment and care for addicts
in that city. Both federal Health Minister Tony Clement and Vancouver
Mayor Sam Sullivan participated in a news conference yesterday, but
neither would answer questions about InSite, North America's first
safe-injection site.

Speaking to reporters in Ottawa, Clement announced a $10-million
grant for treatment services in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside,
including money for community-based health professionals and 20 new
treatment beds for vulnerable women.

However, he refused to say whether InSite will be allowed to operate
past June 30, when its three-year operating exemption under the
Controlled Drugs and Substances Act expires.

"I really can't help you with that aspect of your story," Clement
repeatedly told reporters.

Sullivan, who supports InSite, also declined to speculate on the
project's future, saying that it will be resolved soon. Participating
in the announcement by teleconference from Vancouver, he said the
promised treatment services are expected to help the city clean up
its troubled Downtown Eastside before the 2010 Olympics.