MARITIME POLITICIAN COMES CLEAN ON ADDICTION

Nova Scotia Cabinet Minister Says Matter Is Now Irrelevant

HALIFAX -- Nova Scotia's education minister issued a stunningly honest
statement yesterday detailing her addiction to intravenous drugs more
than 20 years ago and the price she paid for it, including the loss of
her son.

Her voice cracking at times, Jane Purves told reporters she started
using drugs in her teens, became addicted to hard drugs and lost
custody of her only child for several years.

She has since reconciled with her son, now 29.

"I sought professional help and, with the support of my family and
friends, was able to recover," she said in front of a cluster of
television cameras and microphones.

"I have been free of the addiction for more than 20
years."

Purves, 50, refused to specify which drugs she used.

"I feel that going into a lot of the detail makes me like a guest on
the Phil Donahue show," she said, referring to the television show
that pioneered confessions.

Purves, who was managing editor of the Halifax Chronicle-Herald until
earlier this year, said she decided to reveal her addiction after
being questioned about her past by a reporter working for the rival
Halifax Daily News

Purves, whose addiction lasted almost seven years, said she considers
the matter "irrelevant" to her political duties, but that she wanted
to be honest about her past.

Nova Scotia Premier John Hamm said he respects Purves's integrity and
courage, and added that she has the full support of his Conservative
cabinet.

"She paid a big price, she was able to overcome difficulties that many
have not been able to overcome."

NDP Leader Robed Chisholm, whose past was also exposed by the media,
said Purves should not be judged on her past actions, but on her
ability to do her job.

He added it might be time for a discussion about how much of a
politician' s personal life should be made public.

In the final days of the summer election campaign, a Halifax newspaper
reported that Chisholm had a drunk driving record dating back to his
teens.

He did not admit to that offence earlier in the campaign, when he was
asked whether he had broken any laws.