WAR ON CRYSTAL METH

An Alberta Task Force Is Taking Steps To Tackle The Scourge Of Crystal Meth.

Red Deer North MLA Mary Anne Jablonski, a task force member, said
provincewide consultations with interest groups and organizations
will be held in the next two months.

Consultations with Red Deer groups that deal with drug addictions
will take place in mid-May.

The Premier's Task Force on Crystal Meth also launched its website
on Sunday, allowing Albertans to send in feedback electronically.

"We know in order to make a difference, we have to attack both the
demand and supply of crystal meth," said Jablonski.

"On the demand side, the best way to do that is to go straight to
the youth and connect with them in their schools."

Jablonski said one solution may involve youths talking to other
youths about the dangers of the illegal drug.

"Unfortunately, the kids who have gone through the misery and pain
of being addicted have a story to tell, and sometimes kids will listen."

Education through plays and other forms of drama are also good
tools, she said.

"We have to be innovative and creative. We can't stand in front of a
group of kids and preach."

Premier Ralph Klein's wife, Colleen, is heading the task force. The
12-member committee began meeting in December.

Red Deer Public School District superintendent Don Falk, who is also
a task force member, said the group has been told that tobacco,
alcohol and marijuana are also big problems and could lead to use of
harder drugs.

Falk said those drugs may need to be looked at when the task force
examines how to prevent crystal meth addiction.

In Red Deer, cocaine seems to be more prevalent than crystal meth.

"But crystal meth is present in Red Deer, and when it is used it is
a horrendous problem for individuals and families. It wreaks havoc,"
said Falk.

The task force is looking at building on public awareness,
prevention, treatment, legislation and enforcement.

Feedback provided to the website will be kept confidential. Comments
will be collected until July 1.

To provide comments or to learn more, go
to: www.gov.ab.ca/premier/cmeth/force.cfm

The task force is made up of community representatives leading
Alberta's response to crystal meth abuse.

The task force expects to draft its recommendations by October.