COURTENAY MAY JOIN METH TASK FORCE

As more and more communities are realizing the effect of crystal
methamphetamine in their area, the Oceanside task force is developing
a wider and wider bank of support.

That Island-wide cache of support will really show next week, with a
meeting of task-force members from Nanaimo, Oceanside, Victoria,
Ladysmith and maybe Courtenay, to share information and tips.

"They're getting together to share some information," says Oceanside
Community Crystal Meth Task Force chair Kevin Wilson, focusing on a
sticking point for all the groups - treatment for addicts.

While he says they are further ahead in their plans than most other
communities, he adds the more support and potential connections they
can make, the better.

One of those connections made since Nanaimo launched its task force is
with Nanaimo-Parksville Liberal MLA Ron Cantelon.

He says his first introduction to the issue two weeks ago at the
launch of the Nanaimo initiative was a real eye-opener.

"It was pretty much a terrifying experience for politicians," says
Cantelon of the surprising enormity of the problem.

He says he had beena "aware of the Oceanside initiative but hadn't
yet been able to co-ordinate getting involved - but with the alarm
bells now going off throughout his constituency, he says he's jumping
onboard.

"I intend to bring whatever resources that can come to share," says
Cantelon.

That will begin with an involvement in both Nanaimo's and Oceanside's
task forces, as well as liaising with other politicians and provincial
staff.

"I think you're going to see a conscious no-political-holds-barred
approach to this issue," he says.