THE CRYSTAL METH TASK FORCE INITIATED

Crystal Meth Is One Of The Most Addictive Drugs In The World

Mayerthorpe Freelancer -- I have written about the crystal meth task
force on a couple of occasions previously because I believe so
strongly that it is so important.

Crystal meth has an effect on every single Albertan regardless of
whether or not we have even come in contact with the drug. Everyone
pays the price for extra policing, health care costs, and social
supports for addicts and their families. Most unfortunate of all is
seeing the loss of a person's potential when they fall victim to this
destructive drug. Crystal meth is a complex problem and we can only
address it by talking to and learning from those impacted and affected
by the drug. Crystal meth is one of the most addictive drugs in the
world and it is also one of the most difficult addictions to treat.

The Crystal Meth Task Force headed by Colleen Klein and Dr. Robert
Westbury is holding province-wide consultation meetings with the key
stakeholders and organizations on issues surrounding the abuse of
crystal meth and other forms of methamphetamine. The task force is
made up of community representatives leading Alberta's response to the
growing problem of crystal meth abuse. The task torce has divided into
a number of issue-specific cluster groups each tasked with consulting
stakeholders. Law enforcement, youth, aboriginal people, healing,
industry and community are the key areas of focus.

Consultation meetings will run through until the end of May and will
help the task force better understand the crystal meth issues and to
develop recommendations for their final report. When this task force
reaches out and talks to our youth, treatment facilities, police
officers, aboriginal people, our communities and others, only then
will our province be in the best position to fight this drug and
improve the future for our young Albertans.

The Premier's Task Force on Crystal Meth is also calling on the
general public to provide input on the issue of crystal meth and
methamphetamines. It is important to hear from all Albertans. We will
gather a variety of perspectives and the knowledge that we gain
through our entire consultation process will allow us to develop the
most thorough solutions to this growing and dangerous drug problem.

I encourage you to provide your feedback through the Alberta
Government website. All feedback provided to the website will be kept
confidential and the task force will collect comments until July 1,
2006.