PUBLIC EDUCATION A HIGH PRIORITY IN FIGHTING CRYSTAL METH
USE

Crystal methamphetamine production and use is a serious and growing
problem in British Columbia that can affect us all. Did you know that
chemicals and fumes produced in a meth lab pose a risk of fire and
explosions, and can expose neighbours to dangerous toxins, fumes and
hazardous by-products?

Even more disturbing is the impact crystal meth use is having on the
lives of our young people. According to recent studies, approximately
five per cent of B.C. students in grades 7-12 may have used
methamphetamine. That's about 17,000 young people. That's a
staggering number. And crystal meth use is much higher among some
groups of at-risk youths.

Studies also show that most first-time use of crystal meth occurs in
grades 9 or 10. So if we're going to stop kids from trying crystal
meth, we need to reach them before they are in Grade 9 - when they
are in Grade 6 or 7.

And that's just what we are doing.

This week, our government rolled out a $3-million classroom and
public education campaign aimed directly at youth, parents and
teachers. We have been working with addiction experts at the Centre
for Addiction Research of B.C., located at the University of
Victoria, to develop the very best crystal meth resources for our
schools and the public.

Research done by these experts shows that young people are much more
influenced by people with whom they have a steady and trusted
relationship, such as friends, parents and teachers, than incorrect
information and scare tactics. That's why our school program features
tools and resources for students, parents and teachers.

The classroom lessons begin in Grade 6 and the resources continue
through Grade 12. They will help our young people make healthy
choices about what they put in their bodies - choices that will
ultimately affect their mental, physical and emotional development.

Research shows that students retain information when it is
interactive, practical and relevant to them. So we have developed
classroom activities such as games and tips for handling certain
situations, like how to stay safe when they are out with their
friends or how to say no to peer pressure, and activities they can
take home to use with their parents.

We have also developed a website at www.no2meth.ca that has
information, tools and resources for students, parents and teachers.

For students, there are sections on meth facts, how to talk to your
parents about drugs, and how to stay safe when you are out with your friends.

For parents, there are sections on why kids do drugs, as well as tips
on how to talk to your child about drugs, and what protective steps
to take before your child is exposed to drugs. We have also printed a
parents' guide to crystal meth that will be available through schools.

Our classroom and public education campaign is part of the provincial
crystal meth strategy.

In 2004, B.C. became the first jurisdiction in Canada to announce an
integrated crystal meth strategy.

Then, at last year's Union of British Columbia Municipalities
convention, Premier Gordon Campbell committed $7 million for new
initiatives to fight crystal meth use, including:

* $2 million for community-based anti-meth programs (grants of up to
$10,00 for each community);

* $2 million to enhance existing treatment programs and ensure that
professional care is available for meth-addicted youth;

* $1 million for a school-based crystal meth awareness campaign; and

* $2 million for a broad-based public education campaign to ensure
that youth and their parents are informed about meth use and addiction.

I know that being a parent today can be challenging and stressful. I
also know that our children are faced with many competing influences
in their lives. That's why it is important that our government help
families by helping teach our children about the dangers of crystal
meth use and by providing useful tools and resources.

I encourage you to visit our website at www.no2meth.ca and to stop by
your school to pick up a copy of the parents' guide to crystal meth.

These are two ways our government is delivering on its commitment to
fight crystal meth use and to invest in B.C.'s children, students and future.

For more information on government services or to subscribe to the
province's news feeds using RSS, visit the province's website at www.gov.bc.ca.