SAFE-INJECTION SITE TO GO TO TOP COURT

The federal government plans to ask the Supreme Court of Canada to
overturn a B.C. ruling that allowed a safe-injection site to remain
open, Justice Minister Rob Nicholson said Tuesday.

"This case raises important questions regarding the doctrine of
inter-jurisdictional immunity and the division of powers between the
federal and provincial governments," he said.

"We recognize that injection drug users need assistance," he said.
"This is why our National Anti-Drug strategy focuses on prevention
and access to treatment for those with drug dependencies."

Nicholson said the B.C. Court of Appeal and the Government of Canada
both believe it is important that the Supreme Court of Canada be
asked to rule on this matter.