METH USE STATS TELL A SAD TALE

According to recent studies of B.C. secondary school students,
approximately five per cent of students in grades 7-12 may have used
methamphetamine.

* The vast majority of students (86 per cent according to one survey)
have never used any of the so-called "party drugs", including crystal
meth and ecstasy;

* Most first-time use of crystal meth occurs in grades 9 or 10;

Studies show that 20 per cent of people who use crystal meth become dependent.

GOVERNMENT'S COMMITMENT

At the 2005 Union of British Columbia Municipalities convention,
Premier Gordon Campbell committed $7 million in funding for new
initiatives to fight crystal meth use. The funding included:

* $1 million for school-based initiatives.

* $2 million for a public education campaign.

* $2 million to help communities and First Nations by providing
$10,000 seed grants to assist in their local response to the problem
of crystal meth.

* $2 million for targeted treatment programs.

* Regional forums organized by the Solicitor General to inform
communities about the dangers of crystal meth use, and through
enhanced knowledge, help communities reduce use.

EDUCATION RESOURCES

Classroom resources: This will include age-appropriate lesson plans
dealing with substance use. The lessons will be delivered in a number
of ways that engage students, such as games and projects.

Teachers will receive resources that support the classroom lessons.
Teachers will be able to access resources at www.no2meth.ca online.