TASK FORCE PITCHES METH CASE TO BOARD

Mary Robson and Cheryl Ashlie Had an Amicable Discussion About
Crystal Meth When They Sat Across a Table Wednesday Night.

Robson, chair of the local crystal meth task force, and Ashlie, chair
of School District 42's, have disagreed about how best to teach kids
about crystal meth and its dangers.

Robson, who made a presentation to the school board Wednesday,
questioned Ashlie's credibility to talk about crystal meth on a CKNW
radio show last week. Ashlie responded that her information comes
from professionals working with crystal meth users.

Ashlie has repeatedly said crystal meth should be discussed when
talking about other drugs such as alcohol, tobacco and marijuana.

But Robson contends crystal meth is a unique drug because it takes
just one try to become hooked, and the comparatively new drug should
be discussed with kids separately. And stories are "all around us"
about people on crystal meth, Robson told the board.

"It's a wake-up call to youth," said Robson, adding kids need a
clear, concise message about crystal meth and its effects.

But Robson said she was trying to keep the discussion "non-political"
Wednesday because it's "all about the kids."

The task force wants to work with the school board to educate kids
about crystal meth, said Robson.

"It will be something to help us meet our mandate," she said.

The message would be a simple one, said Robson: "Don't ever do it once."

The task force would pay to bring in professionals to talk about the
drug, and the program would be co-ordinated with the school's
principals, she said.

Robson showed the school board kits that can be used to test for
drugs including crystal meth and said that, in a perfect world, she'd
like drug testing to take place in schools.

Robson said that the testing would be voluntary.

"If the parent request it, the school would do it," she said.

But at the moment, testing cannot take place without the kid's consent.

"We tried it with Youth Diversion (Program)," she said. "Couldn't do
it. We're talking to Ottawa about that one."

The Ridge Meadows Youth Diversion Program helps kids aged 12 to 18
who have run into trouble with the law.

Before Ashlie commented, trustee Dave Rempel, the board's vice chair,
praised Mary and Gord Robson's work, which has raised "the level of
discussion" of crystal meth in the community.

Aslie said it has been difficult to talk through the press and seemed
pleased to talk with Robson about the issue in person at the school
board meeting.

Ashlie said she sees a role for the task force in the district's schools.

"I do believe there's a fit," she said. "We just need to make sure
that it fits with the realm we're doing."