PROTECTING CHILDREN IS ABOVE THE LAW

Re: Addict needle plan considered," Calgary Herald, Sept. 21. Mayor Al
Duerr hit the nail on the head when he states `It's a very complicated
issue, it involves the law - Criminal Code - and health care.'

Dr. John Gill, chief of infectious diseases for the Calgary Regional Health
Authority says, `an initiative that offers promise in controlling an
epidemic shouldn't be discarded because it's a paradigm buster. The
program is clearly focused on trying to stop the transmittal of blood-borne
pathogens. It's novel, it's innovative and it's being developed in the
apparent failure of existing programs. One doesn't know if it will work,
but let's see. If they get going properly (Vancouver), then maybe we will
need it here."

Insp. Jim Hornby of the Calgary police states, `It's a Catch 22. It's like
setting up brothels for prostitution - we're condoning something that is
against the law. There may be health benefits (from the program), but
injecting heroin is against the law.'

Against the law? We are supposed to just accept this law at face value? Dr.
Gill gives us an honest directive. What does Insp. Hornby gives us?

I am one parent who thanks Dr. Gill for his foresight on this issue. I try
to use foresight to raise my children. If my young daughter grows into a
troubled teen and prostitutes herself, maybe I would sleep a little better
knowing she was in a clean, safe environment and not, God forbid, shackled
away in some basement room under a pizza store.

D. L. Harper

Checked-by: Joel W. Johnson