DRUG-INJECTION PLAN COMATOSE IN VICTORIA

Plans are at a standstill for a supervised injection site in Victoria
despite the enthusiastic support from the city, police and the health
authority when the vision was released more than a year ago.

Last April, University of Victoria addictions researcher Benedikt
Fischer co-authored a feasibility study, commissioned by the City of
Victoria and the Vancouver Island Health Authority, that recommended
a few supervised drug consumption sites around the city. The
recommendation was also supported by B.C. Health Minister George Abbott.

The once-enthusiastic support for a supervised injection site hasn't
resulted in any significant action, however.

The arduous application process to Health Canada for permission to
run the Victoria sites as a research project -- with exemptions from
applicable federal drug laws -- has not been started.

The City of Victoria says it's up to the Vancouver Island Health
Authority to apply. Meanwhile VIHA says the city must request the
health authority act.

Victoria Mayor Alan Lowe said VIHA has so "so many fires to put out,"
and is doing such invaluable work on the city's homelessness
strategy, it's no wonder the application for supervised injection
sites are not a priority at this time.

Furthermore, Vancouver's supervised injection site, Insite, has not
been granted the federal exemption it needs by June 30 to continue
operating so all sides have taken a wait-and-see approach, he said.

"The main reason why we've cooled our heels a bit is Insite is
fighting for its life right now," said Lowe.

A delegation from Vancouver demonstrated at the legislature yesterday
to lobby the B.C. government to continue to run Insite, with or
without the federal government's support.

NDP MLA Jenny Kwan presented a private member's bill in the
legislature yesterday "to affirm the province's authority to operate
Insite as part of BC's health-care system."

Supervised injection sites, which allow drug users a place to shoot
up with health professionals nearby, are intended to prevent
overdoses and the spread of infectious diseases.