CRYSTAL METH FIGHT GETS BOOST FROM TASK FORCE

Calgary Country -- 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 http://www. stopmeth.alberta.ca