ILE A LA CROSSE FIGHTS BACK AGAINST DRUGS

Posters have been circulated around the village of Ile a la Crosse stating
the council has set a zero tolerance drug policy.

According to Mayor Max Morin, the village council decided to adopt the new
policy in March and put up the posters around the community.

In May, a public meeting was held with the RCMP, the council and concerned
citizens discussing the impact drugs have on the community.

"We're quite concerned about the effects it has on our community," explains
Morin.

He says the new policy stemmed from a death in the community which was
believed to have been drug related.

"It's putting out the message where the council stands," explains Morin.
"We're not being silent."

According to Morin, the unemployment rate in the community is sitting at 60
per cent and may be a contributing factor to the drug problem. "I think what
has to happen is alternative employment opportunities."

He says a majority of the jobs are minimum wage. He also says if there were
more job opportunities, people may be less likely to enter the drug scene.

Protecting the community is a major concern to the council, Morin explains,
and the community as a whole have to take a stand against drugs.

"It's hurting a lot of our young people."

Morin says a youth conference was organized by the Ile a la Crosse
Friendship Centre in South Bay, Aug. 8 to 14. The conference was attended by
around 300 youth throughout the north, he adds.

The six day event promoted healthy choices and decision making processes.

Morin says it showed they can earn more respect from their peers if they are
drug and alcohol free.

Overall, Morin says the council anticipates a change in the community with
the new zero tolerance drug policy.

"We're just trying to get the message across."