MACKINTOSH MULLS SPECIAL DRUG COURT

Justice Minister Gord Mackintosh says he wants a special Drug Treatment
Court established in Winnipeg as an alternative to jail for addicts. "It
would focus on those who have addictions that are fuelling their crimes,"
Mackintosh said yesterday. "We see this as an important part of a
comprehensive drug strategy."

The province has applied to Ottawa to get the program going in Manitoba.
Toronto and Vancouver have Drug Treatment Court, Mackintosh said.

The justice minister said he's expecting a response from the feds in a
matter of weeks.

Mackintosh made the announcement yesterday after the Opposition Tories
issued a news release calling for a Drug Treatment Court in Winnipeg.

Justice critic Kelvin Goertzen said studies have suggested 85% of graduates
from the program do not re-offend.

"We as Conservatives are driving the justice agenda," Goertzen said.

Drug Treatment Court is limited to non-violent offenders whose crimes have
been the result of drug use.