COMMUNITY FORUM WILL TACKLE DRUG USE AS A HEALTH ISSUE

Re: Legalize street drugs, ex-cop urges, Ian Mulgrew, April 12

I hope that many elected officials, in addition to Attorney-General
Wally Oppal, policy-makers and citizens, will hear the rational,
cost-effective and humane message that former Seattle police chief
Norm Stamper brought to Vancouver this week about the abysmal failure
of the War on Drugs.

For taxpayers, it is not only astonishing -- and maddening -- that
enormous amounts of money are being squandered on a failed approach
to dealing with drug use, but it is heartbreaking to see the effects
on drug users, their families and friends. This is a health issue and
should not be dealt with by the enforcement and criminal justice systems.

From April 30 to May 4, Vancouver-area residents, policy-makers and
elected officials will have the opportunity to further discuss these
issues when the community coalition Keeping the Door Open: Dialogues
on Drug Use hosts a series of public dialogues and films, Beyond
Criminalization: Healthier Ways to Control Drugs. We encourage all
interested citizens to join us at the Morris J. Wosk Centre for
Dialogue. Information is available at www.keepingthedooropen.com.

Gillian Maxwell

Chair, Keeping the Door Open: Dialogues on Drug Use