METHADONE BYLAW PASSES IN SURREY

Surrey went ahead with its controversial methad-one control bylaw last
night, despite concerns for patients' privacy.

"This is not a road I wanted to go down, but it's necessary," said Coun.
Dianne Watts, chairwoman of the public-safety committee.

Coun. Judith Higginbotham added her misgivings that good people "trying to
do the right thing might be somewhat inconvenienced" by police inspections.

"I feel badly about it," she said. "We are getting into something a lot of
us don't understand . . . but no other government is taking the
responsibility."

The bylaw will monitor methadone treatments at about 10 dispensaries in a
four-block area in rundown Whalley. RCMP allege some clients are carrying
away prescriptions illegally and selling them on the streets, adding to the
drug trade.

In the controversial section of the bylaw, RCMP inspectors will have the
right to examine private medical records without a search warrant. Fines up
to $5,000 are permitted for non-compliance.

"The bylaw focuses on pharmacists not to give out unauthorized carries,"
said city lawyer Craig MacFarlane.

First, second and third readings were passed by a 6-3 vote.

Dissenting Coun. Bob Bose said it was like a return to the "Dark Ages."

"This isn't a very effective approach to the problem," he said.

Added Coun. Judy Villeneuve: "We should not waste time attempting to meddle
with the medical authorities."

Council plans one final meeting with the public, pharmacists and doctors
before adoption next month.

"This is a wakeup call to the pharmaceutical industry and the provincial
government," said Mayor Doug McCallum. "A small percentage are abusing the
system."