CRYSTAL METH TASK FORCE LAUDED BY OFFICIALS

The Alberta government is applauding the work of the Premier's Task
Force on Crystal Meth, who released their anticipated report and
recommendations earlier this week on how to fight the problem that's
quickly becoming an epidemic.

After comprehensive consultation for the last year with Albertans,
the task force, led by Colleen Klein, has submitted a report
containing 83 recommendations in three predominant themes;
prevention, healing and treatment and getting tough.

"With the help of community leaders across the province, the task
force's recommendations will stop the abuse and negative impacts of
crystal meth on our communities, workplaces, families and young
people," stated Klein, chair of the task force.

"We can and must work collectively to fight against the damage of this drug."

Upon receipt of the recommendations, Premier Ralph Klein expressed
his gratitude to the committee for the work they've done.

"We asked this task force to produce a roadmap to help us tackle a
complex problem facing not just Alberta, but communities across
North America," the premier said.

"I am very pleased with these strategies to reduce the harm to our
youth, families and communities."

The 83 recommendations cover a wide range of needs, and include
giving children a healthy start, engaging communities, increasing
detoxification, treatment and after care, providing education and
strengthening laws and the courts.

The recommendations are grouped into several categories.

Firstly, the task force recommends that the Province needs to take a
province-wide approach.

"The Government of Alberta should create a fund that pools resources
for the development of programs to reduce and eliminate the use and
abuse of crystal meth. The fund would be accessed by communities,
police, service providers and others, and distributed by the
implementation team," was the number one recommendation.

Prevention was also a large focus of the report, and the task force
made nearly two dozen recommendations on it.

It was indicated that prevention programs should be developed in all
communities, urban and rural, as well as integrating awareness about
the drug into public education through high school courses like CALM
(Career and Life Management).

While showing high school students the importance of knowing what
addiction is was significant in the report, it also calls for more
programs for ages 0 to 6.

"Alberta Children's Services, Alberta Education and Alberta Health
and Wellness, in partnership with Alberta school boards and school
superintendents, day care providers, and preschools, should develop
a protocol to identify at-risk children, beginning at an early age
(zero to six years), to increase their resiliency, and reduce risk
for drug use and abuse," was another of the recommendations.

The report also focused on healing and treatment, asking that the
Province add a minimum of 100 beds for detoxification, and at least
200 beds for treatment services across the province, as well as
residential treatment programs.

Another large grouping of the recommendations was the Getting Tough
section, consisting of over 30 recommendations.

Dr. Robert Westbury, co-chair of the task force, said "We learned a
great deal about this problem, and we listened to individuals and
groups about the best way to fight back. Together we can fight back
and make a difference for Albertans."

The Getting Tough section includes recommendations for undercover
street teams, expanding the canine program, a larger focus on
organized crime, and the creation of localized drug courts.

Another section of the report focused on supporting aboriginal communities.

"The Government of Alberta should work with the Government of Canada
to ensure that Aboriginal children, youth and young people have
access to any prevention, treatment, and healing programs it
provides for crystal meth addiction," was one of the recommendations.

And lastly, the report highlighted the need to improve services and
assess results in the future.

As well as creating forums for data to be recorded on the progress
of the fight against crystal meth, "Alberta Health and Wellness
should create a system for collecting data and information on drug
and addictions trends in Alberta from treatment facilities, law
enforcement, the criminal justice system, corrections, the education
system, probations, health authorities and others."

To view the full report visit www. stopmeth.alberta.ca