'CRYSTAL METH IS A FILTHY DRUG'

In speech to UBCM, premier promises to fight highly addictive drug with
grants for education, community programs and detox treatment

Glenn Bohn, with files from Jonathan Fowlie CanWest News Service

VANCOUVER -- Premier Gordon Campbell announced Thursday a $7-million battle
against crystal methamphetamine, promising more treatment programs for
those trying to get off the highly addictive drug and an advertising blitz
to discourage people from trying it.

"This sneaks up on you," Campbell warned. "If you talk to anyone who's been
involved at all, you know this: Crystal meth is a dirty, filthy drug. It
ruins people's lives -- forever -- so we want to make sure parents know
what to look for, [and] communities know what to look for."

Campbell spoke at the annual conference of the Union of B.C. Municipalities
in Vancouver, one day after mayors and councillors unanimously passed a
resolution that warned of a growing number of amphetamine users, addictions
and deaths.

The resolution asked Victoria to limit access to over-the-counter
ingredients required to produce the drug, increase public awareness and
education about crystal-meth use, provide assistance to deal with at-risk
groups, and provide assistance to treat addiction problems.

In an address to the UBCM earlier Thursday, Opposition leader Carole James
focused on "growing homelessness, addiction, and despair on our streets."

James said the social fabric of B.C. communities is being tested by
homelessness, a problem she said is connected to both mental illness and
drug abuse.

"I know that the growing crisis of crystal meth addiction is a top priority
at this gathering. And government and the Opposition must stand with you,
providing the resources and support you need to tackle this problem," she said.

The New Democratic Party leader warned: "Homelessness on our streets will
not be solved without a significant commitment of resources to deal with
addiction or without a firm commitment to deal with the lack of resource
for those who suffer mental illness."

She also said there is a "significant shortage" of treatment facilities for
addicts and their families in communities.

"For Vancouver Island, for example, we have five addiction beds for the
entire island," the Victoria-Beacon Hill MLA said.

When Campbell spoke to the same municipal politicians Thursday afternoon,
he outlined:

- - $3 million for a public education program ($1 million for education
programs delivered in schools and $2 million for advertisements in the mass
media.)

- - $2 million in $10,000 grants for community-based programs, for every
community in B.C. that wants to participate. A similar program is to be
established for aboriginal communities.

- - $2 million for "targeted treatment programs" for crystal meth addicts who
want to go into detox.

Campbell also promised a series of regional seminars on crystal meth,
organized by a new "crystal meth secretariat" in the Solicitor-General
Ministry.

James said communities will appreciate the $10,000 grants, but said the
rest of the money should have gone into detoxification services, not a new
"secretariat."

After Campbell's address, those who have seen the dangers of
methamphetamine held a workshop on what to expect and how to deal with the
drug.

"We've got an epidemic in B.C.," said Gordon Robson, a Maple Ridge
businessman who has helped the Meadowridge Rotary Club organize a campaign
against meth.