MP KAMP WANTS GOVERNMENT TO ADDRESS CRYSTAL METH PROBLEM

MAPLE RIDGE - Local conservative MP Randy Kamp is demanding the federal
Liberals do something to address what he calls the blossoming use of
crystal meth here and across the country.

And according to Kamp, he wasn't satisfied with the answer he received from
the justice minister.

"In November, I asked the minister of justice if he had any programs or
plans in place to combat the growing use of this insidious narcotic. He
indicated that he did not and said that this was a matter for Health
Canada," said Kamp, in a press release. "Frankly, I was shocked that the
minister of justice did not think he had a significant role to play in
combating this drug, which is destroying lives right across this country."

Locally, Kamp sits as a member of the Meadowridge Rotary-led task force
aimed at ridding Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows of crystal meth use and those
who deal the deadly drug.

"The communities in my riding are not waiting for the federal government to
get its act together," said Kamp. "In Maple Ridge, a task force has
developed a comprehensive action plan to combat crystal meth in that
community. I have been a member of that task force and I am proud of the
work that we are doing to make our community a better place.

Kamp says he's urging the Paul Martin government to design its own
anti-meth program.

"Once again, I have a question for the minister. What is the federal
government doing to address this problem? What is its integrated plan of
action? Where are its programs to assist communities that have been shocked
by the speed with which crystal meth has invaded their towns? Where are the
federal laws and regulations which will deter production and distribution
of crystal meth? What is the government doing specifically to address the
growing problem of crystal meth? Continuing to ignore the problem is no
longer an option."