SASK. PARTY ANNOUNCES CRYSTAL METH STRATEGY

The Saskatchewan Party used its first news conference of 2005 to say it's
becoming clearer and clearer the Calvert NDP has no idea what it's doing
when it comes to crystal meth.

"Crystal meth will not wait for the NDP while they create another
legislative secretary position to study and review. Neither will the
Saskatchewan Party," said Saskatchewan Party leader Brad Wall.

"The reality is, crystal meth is becoming a major drug problem in
Saskatchewan and the government needs to deal with it--now!"

Wall applauded the tireless efforts of Saskatchewan Party MLAs June Draude
and Brenda Bakken for the work they have done in raising awareness of the
dangers of crystal meth. Wall also thanked Saskatoon MLA Ted Merriman for
highlighting how crystal meth had hit his family.

"We are not experts, but June and Brenda have worked with police and those
in the field of addictions treatment to get communities the information
they need." said Wall.

"People with no place to turn to have been able to turn to them."

Wall said the Saskatchewan Party will not wait for the Calvert NDP to act.

He said the caucus is making a PowerPoint presentation available on the
physical affects of crystal meth abuse. The caucus also has information
from Alberta on how parents can work together in stropping the spread of
drug abuse.

Wall also released a fivepoint plan to deal with addictions treatment
generally and crystal meth specifically. He called on the Calvert NDP to
begin work immediately.

"While all drugs are dangerous, crystal meth poses a particular threat
because it's so addictive, it's so dangerous, it's so cheap, and it can be
made almost anywhere from common household products," Wall said.

"Every day this government stalls, someone in Saskatchewan is getting
addicted and another family is fractured. The time for action is now."

The Saskatchewan Party Five Point Plan Education and Public Awareness:

The Saskatchewan Party is now and will continue to be a leader in helping
families, communities and schools get the information they need to combat
the dangers of crystal meth. We will facilitate public awareness, provide a
list of expert speakers in the field of law enforcement and drug awareness
and make sure parents have access to the material they need to work together.

Specific Meth Strategy:

The Saskatchewan Party agrees with experts calling for a specific crystal
meth strategy, including an awareness program, mandated for use in school.

Improved Treatment

The Saskatchewan Party will work towards improving treatment for those
suffering because of addiction to crystal meth, or other drugs made cheaper
by its arrival on our streets. This will include:

* An addictions treatment program specifically for children;

* Centres capable of treating individuals for extended periods;

* A treatment system prepared to meet current and future demands;

* Safe houses for at risk individuals, waiting to get into treatment centres;

* Family counselling. Independent Addictions Treatment Foundation.

The Saskatchewan Party will lobby for the re-establishment of an
independent addictions foundation, staffed by experts specializing in up to
date treatment options.

Helping Police

We will push the federal government to give police the enforcement tools
needed to stop the proliferation of crystal meth and other addictive
substances.