BATTLING CRYSTAL METH

The Premier's Task Force on Crystal Meth was in Red Deer yesterday in
another round of talks with community leaders on what we all should
do to stop the growing problem.

In today's Express (pages 14/15), we launch the first part of a
two-part series, which deals with not only the horror of crystal meth
but also the road of recovery from the highly addictive drug -- which
is possible.

The crystal meth problem, while not as critical in Alberta and Red
Deer as in parts of the United States, is undeniably on the rise.

The creation of the task force was wisely initiated to ensure it
doesn't explode into a full-fledged epidemic like is has south of the
Canadian border.

For several months now, task force members have toured the province
getting public input. It is expected late this year the task force
will make recommendations to the provincial government to ensure the
meth problem does not get out of control.

While we salute that mandate, we also hope these recommendations are
meaningful and not just filled with grand empty statements that the
province considers meth a problem and that a plan will be considered.

As one social agency official told the Express, "The optics are good
but where is the beef?"

At this point, no social agency or government department in Canada or
Alberta has reliable data on the extent of crystal meth use.

Any statistics on meth is lumped together with other stimulants.

However, many agencies are already claiming that meth use is way down
the ladder compared to the consumption of alcohol and other drugs.

While this may be true, it is impossible to ignore the crystal meth
problems that have already surfaced in Drayton Valley, Hinton and the
entire Yellowhead Highway corridor west of Edmonton. That in itself
is alarming.

Red Deer is a growing city in the middle of the Edmonton - Calgary
corridor where goods, people and services are increasingly planting
their seeds.

It is already fair to say the seeds of crystal meth have already been
planted. The provincial government has a moral obligation to not only
consider a plan, but to make it happen immediately.

Crystal meth must never be allowed to take hold in Alberta, Red Deer,
or anywhere.