COMMISSION RULES IN FAVOUR OF ALLOWING DRUG SNIFFING DOG

The Canines for Safer Schools program will include a canine after
all.

Porter Creek Secondary School principal Kerry Huff was informed
earlier this week by the Yukon Human Rights Commission that the school
can go ahead with including the animal in the three-year-pilot
program, aimed at dealing with drug use and other issues at the school.

"I'm very pleased," Huff said in an interview this morning.

While the Yukon government approved funding for the program, a
complaint over having a dog in the school was brought forward to the
commission by the family of a student with severe allergies to dogs.

The school had opted to continue with the program even without the dog
when it hired Doug Green, who started the first Dogs for Drug Free
Schools program in Alberta. Green was set take on his new role this
fall. He had planned not to bring his dog Ebony into the school, but
keep working as a resource officer in the school, until the human
rights issue was decided.

Huff said this morning he was still waiting to find out the reasons
the commission ruled in the school's favour. The school was likely
informed of the decision early without the reasons so he and school
officials could prepare for Ebony's arrival.

While Ebony is trained to detect certain drugs, Green has stressed in
several interviews the animal also serves as a bridge between himself
and students who want to say hi and give the dog a pet.

With the human rights decision made, Huff said the school has to take
some time -- likely a couple of weeks -- to inform students and
parents that Ebony will be inside the building. "We want to give the
family (who filed the complaint) plenty of warning," he said, adding
the importance of accommodating everyone at the school as much as possible.

While Green will start work on Tuesday, his dog will have a bit more
time off while parents and students are informed.

Ebony's first job is expected to be a meeting with students where he
will demonstrate his skills in indicating where there are drugs.

Through the program, Huff said he hopes students get education on
drugs and alcohol and that the substances are kept out of the school.

Green said in a recent interview he also hopes to educate both parents
and students on other topics such as the Internet and bullying.

Meanwhile, Tanya Mickey, a parent of a Porter Creek student who pushed
for the program at the school, said this morning she's also pleased it
can move forward.

"I've always believed in the program," she said, noting the numerous
parties involved, ranging from the territorial government, Department
of Education and those involved with Porter Creek Secondary School in
various roles.

"With the implementation of any program there will be challenges," she
said.

Green will bring not only the dog, but also a lot of experience and
expertise on the issues students are facing.

Mickey reiterated her belief Canines for Safer Schools will succeed
and hopefully move into other Whitehorse high schools in the years to
come.