SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROGRAM EARNS CALVERT AWARD

REGINA -- Premier Lorne Calvert is slated to receive an award today
for his actions against substance abuse, but a Saskatchewan Party MLA
says she hopes he will use the honour to work harder on drug issues.

June Draude, who has pushed for better programming and immediate help
for drug addicts such as crystal meth users, said she is pleased
Calvert has managed to use his position to take addictions issues to
the national stage.

But she said more needs to be done in Saskatchewan to combat
addictions and help those affected.

"He's introduced Project Hope, which I wish could have been called
Project Action because really, it's three years before we're going to
see anything real happening," said Draude. "What I really, really
want to see happen is that something happens for the people.

"I'm not going to be here forever and if somebody gets an award for
doing something, then they'd better do it. That's my word to the
premier: If you're given an award for doing something, do it. Don't
just talk about, don't just hope about it, don't just promise it, do it."

In August, Calvert unveiled Project Hope, a $30-million, three-year
plan to combat substance abuse by stepping up drug treatment and
prevention programs.

In part because of Project Hope, the Canadian Centre on Substance
Abuse (CCSA), based in Ottawa, decided to bestow Calvert with the
award, which is only the second it has given out.

"It really is meant to honour his significant leadership and advocacy
on the issue of alcohol and other drugs in Saskatchewan," said Michel
Perron, CCSA chief executive officer. "It takes a fair amount of
determination and courage to take these issues to the public and we
really acknowledge what he's done in Saskatchewan and we'd like to
see that type of leadership across the other provinces as well.

"The fact that the premier himself took this on, charged MLA (Graham)
Addley from Saskatoon with undertaking a fairly comprehensive review
and strategy and then responding with Project Hope, put his personal
imprint on that, and that is something that we don't always see among
the highest political ranks."

Calvert said he was not aware of the award when told about it by
reporters Friday.

"I'm pleased to hear that. One appreciates any recognition but at the
end of the day the recognition is not anywhere near as important as
the work we're going to do to change lives in this province," Calvert said.

However Draude said Calvert has not been as receptive to a private
member's bill she introduced earlier this year which, if passed,
would allow legal guardians to force their drug-addicted children
under the age of 18 into treatment. Draude said nothing has come of
the bill, and she will have to reintroduce it.

"I think we would send a really strong message if this government can
say that parents have not only the responsibility, but rights as
parents, and they should be able to look after their kids," she said.