COUNCIL CONSIDERING HALF A MILLION FOR DRUG CONFERENCE

The City is expected to spend $500,000 over the next two years to help fund
an international drug conference scheduled for Vancouver in April 2006.

In a report to go before council Tuesday, drug policy coordinator Donald
MacPherson writes that the $500,000 will help organizers-the Harm Reduction
2006 Society-reach the $1.9 million budget.

At least $600,000 will be raised from conference registrations, and the
remaining $1.3 million will be sought from all three levels of government
and corporations.

So far, the society has raised $250,000.

The 17th International Conference for the Reduction of Drug Related Harm
conference runs April 30 to May 4. It's expected to attract 1,500 delegates
from around the world, including doctors, addicts, police and human rights
activists.

MacPherson said Vancouver was chosen two years ago to host the conference,
which he believes will contribute to furthering the work around drug addiction.

"Hosting the conference will support the city's efforts to deal with
pervasive problems associated with illegal drug use and continue to
highlight the need for national and international recognition, intervention
and support," he writes.

The most recent international conference on drug-related harm occurred in
Belfast in March. MacPherson and former mayor Philip Owen attended, with
Owen delivering the closing address.