CRYSTAL METH PROGRAM A POSITIVE STEP FORWARD

Funding for drug education program in schools is a necessary step in
helping society deal with a major problem

Well, what do you know? The provincial government is finally
recognizing the plague crystal meth is on society - from our
health-care system to our justice system - and is trying to do
something about it.

Education Minister Shirley Bond unveiled a $3-million crystal meth
education program for B.C. schools last week. The program is aimed at
students, parents and teachers, and includes classroom lessons and
resources to help youth make healthy choices, teacher resources that
support those lessons, a parent's guide to help them talk to their
kids about drugs and an interactive website featuring games and
activities for kids.

According to Bond, the government's research has shown that about
five per cent of students in grades 7 to 12 may have tried crystal meth.

"And the best way to stop someone from using it is to keep them from
ever starting," notes Bond.

We agree.

We're cautiously optimistic that this additional funding will pay off
in the long run and we'll see tangible results in the categories of
health, education, social welfare and justice.

And we truly hope the government means what it says and provides
teachers with promised and proper resources to implement this
school-based program.

Anyone who has ever witnessed the ravages of crystal meth - from the
obvious physical scarring on an individual's face to the less visible
breakdown of their families - knows that the human toll is too high
for us not to be serious and resolute in this process.