KEEP UP THE FIGHT

Edson must take all the necessary steps to win the war against crystal
methamphetamine.

Meth is gripping Edson and can be indirectly seen through the number
of thefts and break-ins. It's a plague in addicts because once they
sampled the drug, it's difficult to fight the insatiable craving for
more.

Yellowhead MP Rob Merrifield and West Yellowhead MLA Ivan Strang are
doing their part by introducing legislation in their respective
political assemblies.

Merrifield has tabled C-349 in Parliament and the bill would see
limitations placed on the possession and distribution of certain
chemicals, which are used in meth production.

Strang introduced Bill 204 at the provincial legislature so storage
and sale of ephedrine, psuedeophedrine and products containing the two
drugs can be regulated.

However, once these laws are passed, they will not be effective unless
funding is in place to keep an eye on who is purchasing the materials
to produce meth.

The federal and provincial governments must budget money for more
police and a type of system that can regulate the sale of these materials.

The proposed legislation must also consider the people who need access
to ephedrine and psuedeopherine, which can be found in certain cold
medicines.

Current steps in Edson such as the education efforts by the Edson and
District Drug Action Coalition are making small waves.

By reaching out to teens before they are tempted to try a drug, does
help. What would be more effective is if meth addicts who are in
recovery would speak out publicly about the drug. Living proof of the
effects is a resounding image for teens.

Edson's business community can take an active part in the fight by
asking their employees to take drug tests. Many merchants and
companies have been affected by thefts, vandalism and ineffective
employees who could be using meth.

Some say drug tests are an invasion of privacy. But meth has invaded
our community by disrupting people's lives through the criminal
activity and loss of livelihood once they become addicts.

Federal and provincial politicians should be ashamed if they do not
pass the proposed bills.

Communities across Alberta and Canada are searching for solutions to
rid their crystal meth problems.

In Edson, we must be thankful for Strang and Merrifield who understand
what our region is struggling against.

They are not going to give up the fight against meth and our community
should not either.