MLA PLEADS FOR BILL TO HELP TEEN DRUG ADDICTS

EDMONTON - Red Deer MLA Mary Anne Jablonski made a tearful plea to
opposition members Tuesday to help her pass a bill for the desperate
parents of drug-addicted teens.

The government backbencher is championing a private member's bill that
would enable parents to force their drug-abusing children into a five-day
detoxification program and assessment.

She says she will need unanimous consent from the opposition parties to
find enough time in the four remaining Mondays of this legislative session
to steer her bill through.

The Liberals refused to give consent on Monday, the only day such bills are
discussed.

The Tory MLA broke down Tuesday at the legislature as she read out a highly
emotional letter from a mother whose child has been devastated by crystal meth.

"Dear Mary Anne," she read. "This is my daughter Sarah, my love. She is my
heart. I want to thank you with all I am for helping out with Bill 202.
Along with the petitions I would like you to have this photo album. It
shows my daughter's progression with crystal meth.

"If you were here in front of me now I would get on my knees and I would
beg you. Please don't give up. Please help us. I miss her so much. I love
her so much. What would I do without my Sarah? My love. Please don't give up."

Jablonski vowed she wouldn't give up, but said her bill will not pass
unless opposition parties cut back on the time set aside on Mondays for
written questions to the government.

"I immediately identified with my own children," Jablonski said later.
"This bill is for families. I can't imagine not knowing where my child is
at night and that there's probably harm being done to him or her and there
was not a thing I could do about it."

More than 100 families with drug-addicted teens have called to offer
support and share their personal stories since the bill was introduced, she
said.

Liberal Leader Kevin Taft said his party supported Jablonski's bill, but
said the government should take it over to ensure it passes.

"This is such an important issue it shouldn't be a private member's bill.
It should be a government bill and there's enough time for the government
to bring this forward as its bill."