PROVINCE TO HOST METH FORUMS

The Province is organizing four community education forums aimed at
addressing the growing problem of the drug crystal meth in B.C.

The forums will bring together health-care professionals, police and
addicts and their families who will talk frankly about the impact meth is
having and how to stop its spread.

The sessions will follow a special seven-day feature series in The Province
about crystal meth that starts Sunday. The series examines the prevalence
of meth, potential solutions, the law and treatment issues and tells the
stories of ordinary British Columbians who found themselves caught up in
the misery of meth abuse.

Community forums are planned for April 26 in Kamloops at the Thompson
Rivers University, May 2 in Victoria at Oak Bay High, May 3 in Surrey at
the Bell Centre for Performing Arts and May 5 in Vancouver at John Oliver
Secondary. Panels will be specific to each community. All forums run from 7
until 9 p.m. and are free.

Teachers and school administrators interested in learning more about this
important issue can order free copies of The Province for the week starting
Monday. For information, call 604-605-2328 or e-mail nieorders@png.canwest.com.