LEGISLATURE TO DEAL WITH METH

Two acts in the current Spring sitting of the Alberta Legislature, if
passed, will protect children and the environment from the effects of
methamphetamine.

The Environmental Protection and Enhancement (Meth) Act, if made law,
would get tough with those who dispose of meth making materials into
the environment (e.g. sewers, water bodies, etc.)

The proposed law would also make it possible for law enforcement
officers to get tough on so called ma-and-pa drug making operations.

The Drug Endangered Children Act would help protect youngsters raised
in drug laden environments, said West Yellowhead MLA Ivan Strang.

"The Ministry of Children's Services can take the children away so
they're not exposed to that," said Strang.

Health care will also get plenty of play in the current legislative
session, but, Strang said, details as of last week, were sketchy
about what would transpire.

Other proposed legislation has included the Livestock Identification
and Commerce Act, which acknowledges changes in the agriculture
industry and is designed to provide financial protection for
livestock buyers. It was meant to standardize documentation and the
Protection Against Family Violence Amendment Act, which will add
stalking, broadening the scope of who will be protected under the act
and clarifies the conditions for granting an emergency protection order.

Strang will also introduce a bill for Government Services Minister Ty
Lund, the Real Estate Amendment Act. The proposed amendments would
clarify the role of the Real Estate Council of Alberta and allow the
council to more actively prevent and detect mortgage fraud.

The West Yellowhead MLA expects the current legislative session to
last until the May long weekend.