A WELCOME INFRINGEMENT

When you're under 18, the adults reserve the right to make decisions for
you -- especially when your life is spinning out of control. If a long
overdue and most welcome private member's bill passes the Alberta
legislature, then parents will have the legal power to force their
drug-addicted children into treatment and rehabilitation.

In no way should the bill, which was introduced by Red Deer MLA Mary Anne
Jablonski, be construed as an infringement on a child's civil liberties.
The very fact of being a child means there will inevitably always be
restrictions on liberty when concerns about well-being take precedence over
the inherent assumption of freedom.

The Protection of Children Abusing Drugs Act merely offers parents -- and
government agencies serving as guardians -- the means to help
self-destructive kids. It doesn't suggest that a teen caught smoking a
joint can be immediately packed off to rehab; rather, it means that kids
whose addictions have taken over their lives and devastated their families
can be made to get help.

Too much interference by the state? Hardly. If one's house were on fire,
one would not hesitate to call for assistance in putting the fire out.

If the promise of a young life is being destroyed by drugs, this bill
allows for the calling of assistance.

As with a similar Alberta law that allows for the mandatory detainment of
child prostitutes, Jablonski's bill is intended to help children get their
lives turned around.

The alternative is a terrible social cost of wasted lives, higher
young-offender rates and the resultant burden on society. The sooner this
bill becomes law, the better.