CRACK PIPE ATTACK BACK ON TRACK

As city council prepares for another debate on crack pipes, Ottawa Mayor
Bob Chiarelli says the city needs to come together to battle drug
addiction. "I think we should bring the community together and work on
solutions," Chiarelli said, adding police officers, social service workers
and the health community need to come together.

"We have to rescue our young people and young adults," he said.

The comments came after a new motion was tabled at City Hall that will see
the issuing of free crack pipes debated once again at the next meeting of
council.

The pipes are given to addicts on city streets in hopes of stemming the
spread of hep C, but the program has run into intense opposition from
police and some councillors.

A previous move to kill the program failed last week. But Coun. Shawn
Little has brought forward another motion to cancel the month-old program.

"I think that all members of council have a right to debate the issue,"
said Little. "My view on the matter is the program should not go forward."

Little said the information he is receiving is that crack addicts are still
sharing pipes.