HARPER SKIRTS DRUG ISSUE

The federal government's attitude towards harm-reduction programs
for drug users revolves around partisan politics rather than
evidence-based results, according to a quartet of critics gathered
at SFU Harbourfront yesterday.

Former Vancouver mayor Philip Owen told an audience, together for a
forum on Canada's drug policy, supervised injection programs such as
Insite shouldn't be judged from arm's length in Ottawa.

"The issue is on the streets with the human destruction and the
human decay," he said.

Owen slammed Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Health Minister Tony
Clement for extending Insite's operating permit by six months,
describing he move as "political gymnastics" to skirt a decision on
the program in case of a snap federal election.

Around 25 peer-reviewed published studies on Insite show the program
reduces health risks for drug users.

Other speakers at the event, hosted by NDP MP Libby Davies and
Portland Hotel Society, echoed Owen's sentiments.

Former B.C. provincial court judge Jerry Paradis, who's ruled on
more than 1,000 drug cases, said stricter penalties for drug
offenses is another step towards prohibition, proven to be
ineffective against addiction.

Shelly Tomic, a former drug addict and Insite patient turned
activist, said further study into the program's merit is wasting resources.

"The outcome is: I'm alive right now," she said.