MP WANTS TOUGH PENALTIES ON SOLVENTS

New Democratic Party MP Judy Wasylycia-Leis yesterday called on the
federal government to take urgent action on solvent abuse following
this week's deaths of two Montreal-area teens from butane inhalation.

An estimated 20 per cent of Canadian children and youth have tried
"sniffing" by Grade 8, Wasylycia-Leis said in Ottawa. Many have died
or suffered serious long-term damage.

"This government has to do more to end the tragic destruction of young
lives from solvent abuse. This isn't something to get around to next
year," she said. "Kids and parents need help now."

She has a private member's bill before Parliament to criminalize sales
of products to youth for intoxication purposes.

Wasylycia-Leis is calling for a review of criminal sanctions for
deliberate sales of intoxicants, a data bank to track solvent abuse,
as well as an-examination of current treatment programs.

Quebec authorities are not planning new strategies for solvent abuse,
Cathy Rouleau, aide to Quebec Health Minister Philippe Couillard, said
in an interview from Quebec City. "We're not there yet," she said. "We
know there are many programs for substance abuse and addiction in
general, and that kind of substance abuse is part of it."