MAYORS TACKLE CRYSTAL METH ISSUE

PRINCE ALBERT -- How to deal with crystal meth was the top issue on the
agenda Thursday for the 13 mayors of Saskatchewan's cities.

Saskatoon Mayor Don Atchison said it's a huge problem all over North
America, and his city was warned by its police service several years ago of
the potential trouble crystal meth might bring.

"And it is coming to fruition now," said Atchison.

He said Saskatoon has to tackle trafficking and use of the drug.

"We're going to be cracking down on that as much as we can in our own
community," said Atchison.

Prince Albert Mayor Jim Stiglitz said it is vitally important that
everyone, not just politicians, deals with the growth of crystal meth.

"It's something that's not going to go away."

He said communities have to rely on the federal government to fight the use
of the drug.

"We're going to have to lobby, I think, the lawmakers of this country,"
said Stiglitz.

Tougher sentences for trafficking are needed, he said.

Another problem is there is not enough space in treatment facilities to
handle addicts, he added, causing frustration and heartbreak among the
parents of young addicts.

"They're virtually watching them die in front of them," said Stiglitz.

Besides the issue of dealing with crystal meth, the mayors are also
discussing other justice issues, the SaskPower proposed rate increase,
possible federal fuel tax rebates and Cities Act amendments.