TALKS ON CRYSTAL METH GO ON

Dear Sir:

Since hosting an information meeting regarding crystal meth in Steinbach on
Oct. 24, many residents have asked me what other activities have happened
or are planned and I am pleased to provide this update.

The response from the Southeast to the issue of crystal meth and the drug
problem in general has been remarkable. As a result of the Steinbach
meeting and the incredibly positive feedback, several other information
meetings were arranged throughout the province that I was pleased to
participate in over the past month.

Youth groups, parents and school officials have all been involved. In
January I will participate in meth information meetings in Winnipeg, St
Pierre-Jolys and Dominion City. The parents and community leaders who
assisted in the Steinbach meeting should be proud of the fact that their
efforts are resonating throughout Manitoba and will save the lives of young
people.

Also, since the Steinbach meeting there has been positive movement on the
control of some of the main ingredients of crystal meth. As well, new
made-in-Manitoba information on the drug is available and I expect other
information will be produced soon.

If anyone wishes to receive the current information or future information,
please contact me (ph: 326-5763/e-mail: kgoertzen@leg.gov.mb.ca /website:
www.kelvingoertzen.com) and ask to be added to the information list and I
will be sure to provide you with material as it becomes available. While
these measures will not end the availability of crystal meth and other
drugs, they are nonetheless a good first step.

There are several groups working in the community and the region to address
the ongoing issue of crystal meth and other drug addiction. Drug addiction
is a multi-faceted problem and will take a multi-faceted approach to
dealing with the issue and I applaud each of the groups involved. No one
initiative will address the issue fully, but an ongoing effort will make a
difference. Awareness is a key component of prevention. In the new year I
hope to bring forward both locally and on a province-wide basis other ideas
to deal with this issue.

Most of all, I want to recognize the individuals who have been so
supportive and encouraging, privately and publicly, in raising awareness
about drug addiction. Your initiative is making a difference in the lives
of young people and I commend you.

Kelvin Goertzen, MLA
Steinbach Constituency