OTTAWA CONTRIBUTES $200,000 TO HOUSE 34 ADDICTS

The Vancouver drug-treatment court has received $200,000 in federal
funding, allowing it to create 34 temporary shelter spaces for
participants.

Six drug-treatment courts across Canada, including one in Vancouver,
were created to deal with people who are accused of non-violent crimes
that are motivated by drug dependence.

Instead of jail time, some people convicted in the courts are sent for
treatment and to join social programs, with strict conditions.

The new money will be used to create a pilot project for more
temporary or transitional shelters for participants in the
court-diversion program. Housing had not been part of previous
drug-treatment court funding.

Justice Minister Rob Nicholson said Ottawa is trying to be tough on
producers and distributors of drugs, yet compassionate toward those
addicted to illicit drugs.