PROVINCE UNVEILS NEW METH STRATEGY

The province yesterday announced $6 million in funding over three
years for a two-pronged approach to restrict supply and reduce demand
for crystal meth in Manitoba.

The Manitoba Meth Strategy includes:

- - Joining Saskatchewan to restrict the sale of 17 single-source
pseudoephedrine products, the preferred ingredient in making meth, to
make them available for sale only behind the counter in pharmacies and
limiting quantities to 3,600 mg per purchase.

- - Increased investments in mental-health and addictions programs
and providing enhanced training to front-line workers to deal with
crystal meth, other addictions and mental-health issues.

- - Establishing the Manitoba Meth Task Force comprising government,
law enforcement and addictions agencies and led by Manitoba Healthy
Living and Justice.

- - Develop a public education campaign to increase awareness of the
dangers of meth use.

- - Formalize and enhance a unified takedown protocol for meth labs.

- - Require theft of anhydrous ammonia to be reported.

- - Continue strong partnerships with jurisdictions across Western
Canada to develop a phased-in approach to restricting the sale of
pseudoephedrine products.

Last spring, addictions workers told the Brandon Sun crystal meth -- a
highly addictive, destructive and easy-to-make drug that has ripped
through communities across the U.S., Alberta and B.C. -- is
increasingly showing up in Manitoba.

"We're starting to see it moreso this year than we have in past
years," said John Borody, executive director of the Addictions
Foundation of Manitoba. "About 50 per cent of our residential youth
program (clients) have reported using it."

The Opposition Conservatives yesterday said they were pleased the NDP
government is taking steps to combat the drug, noting the Tories
called for action months ago.

Some products that will be affected:

- - Benylin D for Infants

- - Sudafed Decongestant Children's Chewable Tablet

- - Sudafed Decongestant Extra Strength Tablet

- - Nondrowsy Regular Strength Contac Cold 12 hour

- - Sudafed Decongestant 12-hour capsule

- - Triaminic Pediatric Oral Cold Drops - 7.5mg/0.8ml