CITY POLITICIANS TRY TO CRACK DRUG PROBLEM

It's hard not to notice how drugs have plagued the Downtown Eastside.

Despite its committed efforts, the city hasn't been able to curb the drug
trade, according to Vancouver Coun. Sam Sullivan.

"It's outrageous. Our policies are shoveling money into the pockets of
criminals and terrorists," said Sullivan, noting the focus needs to shift
from enforcement to harm reduction.

"Prevention, treatment and enforcement have been the only tool we've had to
deal with drugs in the DTES," said Sullivan. "The fourth pillar, harm
reduction, has the most hope."

Sullivan says the focus on harm reduction, which involves legalizing and
regulating the drug trade, has worked to drive drug dealers off the streets
and help addicts in places such as Switzerland.

"The question is whether addiction is a sickness or a disability," said
Sullivan. "I see it as a disability that requires long-term care and
programs that do that have been proven to work."

Sullivan adds that despite how bleak the problem seems, there are
opportunities for results.

"A lot of the addicts in the DTES don't want to be there," said Sullivan.
"If you can help them manage their addiction they will be able to go home
and the community will be better off for it."

Fellow city councillor, and mayoral candidate, Jim Green says the city is
heading the right direction when it comes to treating drug addiction.

"The three levels of government are finally working together," said Green.
"That's a big step. The system we have hasn't been working."

Green said that creating pride and employment opportunities in the
community will help solve many of the problems in the DTES, drug use included.

"The community is very strong, but it needs to be stronger," said Green.
"Creating opportunities and pride with projects like Woodward's will be a
major victory for people. Once they feel they can win, they'll get a huge
boost to fight their challenges."

Until that happens, both councillors agree that the DTES will continue to
lose its bitter battle with drug addiction.