HEALTH BOSS BACKS FORCED DRUG REHAB

A proposal to give parents the power to force drug-addicted children into
treatment against their will is getting support from Alberta's health minister.

"I'd like to think that we could provide some supports for families," Iris
Evans said Monday. "There's such a crisis with the children that have been
involved with addictions. I don't think anybody anticipated just how lethal
crystal meth would be."

Mary Anne Jablonski, a Progressive Conservative who represents Red
Deer-North in the legislature, said last week she will present a private
member's bill later this year that would give parents the right to confine
their children to drug rehabilitation centres for up to one year.

Meanwhile, fitness buffs are split over a proposed plan by Evans to give
tax credits for gym memberships or recreational activities as a way to
encourage physical fitness.

Supporters of the proposal say it would help low-income families become
more active, while critics say government should put education before
behaviour modification.