THE LIVES OF ADDICTS ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN IDEOLOGY

Re: Delay of decision on safe injection site may cause layoffs,
doctor says, Aug. 11

I am struggling to comprehend how a Conservative government can allow
ideology to be of greater import than saving lives. Strengthening his
political base at the expense of drug addicts' lives is a tawdry
method for Prime Minister Stephen Harper to employ.

The Vancouver safe injection site has saved lives, especially of
those who overdose.

If saving lives does not resonate, perhaps the financial bottom line
will. Fewer people going to hospital emergency departments thanks to
the safe injection site saves money and reduces the strain on an
already overwhelmed health-care system.

The closing of the safe injection site would measure what value
Harper places on human life.

Paul Czene

Burnaby