EXTENSION OK'D BUT SUBJECT TO REVIEW

Ex-Mayors' Letter Sings Insite's Praises to PM

Health Canada has approved an extension of the exemption that allows
Vancouver's safe-injection site to operate, The Province has learned.

A regional health official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said
yesterday Health Canada's approval is subject to a review by the
federal cabinet before an extension is granted.

But a Health Canada spokesman would say only that no final decision
has been made on the fate of Insite, North America's only safe-injection site.

Insite has been praised by Premier Gordon Campbell, Vancouver Mayor
Sam Sullivan and three former Vancouver mayors, who all support
granting the facility another three-year exemption.

Insite provides addicts with medical attention as they use illegal
drugs in a bid to deal with injection-related diseases and overdoses.

It has been able to operate legally thanks to a three-year exemption
issued by Health Canada in September, 2003. That exemption expires on
Sept. 12, which has raised concerns about whether the new
Conservative government will renew it.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper has expressed some concerns about
taxpayer-supported drug use, suggesting to some critics that the
Tories will not support a program launched by the former Liberal
federal government.

Three former Vancouver mayors, representing about 20 years of
experience at city hall, yesterday urged Harper to save Insite.

Mike Harcourt, Philip Owen and Larry Campbell appeared at a news
conference to sign a letter calling for the Tories to allow the site
to carry on.

"Mr. Harper, Insite is helping make a very troubled neighbourhood
safer while providing medical attention to some of its most
vulnerable people," says the letter. "Please allow Insite to continue
its work."

In the letter, the mayors said scientific data indicates Insite is
meeting objectives that include reducing overdose fatalities,
reducing the transmission of blood-borne infections like HIV and
hepatitis C, reducing injection-related infections, improving public
order and increasing the number of addicts accessing health-care services.

"What this issue is is about saving lives, about lowering our
incidence of HIV and AIDS and hepatitis. It's about public disorder,
and it's about safer streets," said Campbell, now a Liberal senator.
"I think all governments believe in that."

Sullivan has called on the Tories on this issue in three official
visits to Ottawa since he was elected last November.