VANCOUVER DRUG USERS SEEK INJUNCTION TO KEEP INSITE OPEN

Deadline Looming: Feds Reluctant To Reveal Intentions For Safe-Injection Site

A group that represents drug users is seeking a court injunction
preventing the closure of Vancouver's safe-injection site.

The Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users, which has some staff
members at the site, is also seeking a declaration that the conduct
of those members at the site doesn't amount to the commission of any
offences at law.

An exemption from any drug laws that are in place for those workers
is not required or necessary, says a statement of claim filed in B.C.
Supreme Court by VANDU.

The Pivot Legal Society called the site a "success" in reducing the
harm associated with injection drug use in Canada's poorest neighbourhood.

"Despite widespread support, however, the Conservative government has
refused to confirm that they will renew the permit for the site, due
to expire Sept. 12."

VANDU is represented by lawyer John Conroy, who is also a director of
the society, but Conroy's office said yesterday he was withholding
comment on the issue until Pivot holds a news conference today.

Provincial and municipal authorities have said they support the
site's continued operation, but the federal government has not yet
announced its intentions.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper said yesterday that a decision is
expected "in the next few days" from Health Minister Tony Clement.

Erik Waddell, press secretary for Clement, said the department had no
comment on the writ but would make an announcement before Sept. 12 on
the safe-injection site.

Insite was opened in September 2003 as a pilot research project by
the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority. The site has a 12-seat
injection room where drug users can inject their own drugs under
medical supervision.