DRUG SEMINAR SET TO EDUCATE RESIDENTS

Council Plans To Combat The Drug Problem In Mayerthorpe Through
Education

Mayerthorpe's Peace Officer wants to take a bite out of the drug crime
in Town.

Municipal Enforcement Officer Gord Sedgewick put a suggestion forward
that the Town holds drug education seminars.

"The proposal is to bring a highly qualified drug lecturer to
Mayerthorpe to educate first responder personnel, as well as care
giving adults, in various areas surrounding illicit drugs," explained
CAO Karen St. Martin.

Sedgewick explained the importance of the seminars in a report to
council:

Council has voiced concerns on behalf of the ratepayers over the
current state of illicit drug use within town," he wrote. "The first
step in combating any perceived problem is to first understand it and
the best way to do that is through education.

Council agreed to host the two-part all day seminar, which would be
put on by retired Det. Steve Walton, who puts on lectures
internationally.

"I have heard that this particular detective, through my youth justice
work, this guy is an excellent presenter," commented Mayor Doug
McDermid. "I would like to see this document saying that council took
the first step...If we are successful in passing this motion and
hosting this, we really are beginning to accept that there is a drug
problem in the Town of Mayerthorpe."

Walton would put on two separate seminars in town, with the first
geared toward first responders. The report also pointed out that the
fire department had not had drug training in the last four years.

The second seminar would be geared toward all caregivers.

McDermid suggested that council try and co-ordinate this session with
the schools as well.

"When you think about first line people, you have to think teachers.
They are probably more involved with children than a lot of parents
for more hours a day," added Councilor Glen Wilcox, who is also a
retired educator. He also said he thought the town should try and get
funding from other sources as well, such as the RCMP or FCSS.

"This is only the first step and maybe if we carry the funding for the
first step it will be easier to get funding for the second and third
step," said McDermid.

Wilcox said that if it were to be a community effort, it would need
the attendance from the community groups, as well as funding.