SUBSTANCE ABUSE COST

Re: CEOs Fear Reefer Madness, Nov. 22.

The statement attributed to David Stewart-Patterson, executive
vice-president of the Canadian Council of Chief Executives, about the cost
of substance abuse in the workplace seriously misrepresents the study that
our organization published in 1996.

The statement claims that substance abuse in the workplace is costing the
Canadian economy $18.4-billion a year. Our study, the Costs of Substance
Abuse in Canada, used the figure of $18.45-billion to describe the impact
of substance abuse on Canadian society as a whole, including the health
care system, law enforcement and the courts. This figure includes alcohol
(40.8%), tobacco (51.8%) and illicit drugs (7.4%).

Substance abuse is a serious health and social issue in Canada -- as it is
around the world. We appreciate the focus that heads of agencies can bring
to this issue and we welcome any opportunity that may arise to help
reinforce this attention with accurate and objective information.

Michel Perron, chief executive officer, Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse,
Ottawa.