DRUG TASK FORCE MEETS

Since those part of a drug focus group in Taber Friday realize they
need to act quickly for their ideas to become reality they are moving
on to the next step May 21.

At the next meeting people from the Friday discussion and individuals
from professions and groups not represented will follow up on ideas
that were generated.

"We have quite a bit of momentum and I think we should capitalize on
it," said Kerry Miller, president of Southern Alberta Children's
Advocacy Association, at the meeting.

Taber Police Service Const. Howard Kehler, school resource officer in
Taber, added drug dealers from out of town come here because it is a
profitable marketplace.

After the May 21 session, plans are for stakeholders to identify
strategies for initiatives at a one-day forum. Then, community members
will be invited to get involved on implementing action.

Some participants mentioned time is an advantage in Taber, as focus
sessions are being held now to prevent the problem from becoming as
excessive as it is in some northern and central Alberta communities.
However, they recognize certain factors pose threats.

"For the size of town we are we have a lot of money. I guess you could
say we have too much money for our own good," said Miller.

Another participant pointed out Taber also has a high poverty rate.
Representatives from Family and Community Support Services informed
others sometimes people who take in youth from the street provide them
with free drugs and in some cases commit sexual assaults on them.

"We've done a really good job in the schools, but what we have done is
driven it (the problem) out of the schools and into the community,"
said Kehler.

Those in attendance reviewed drug action programs running in Hinton
and Camrose. Susan Canning, area supervisor for the Alberta Alcohol
and Drug Abuse Commission (AADAC), shared initiatives she helped start
when she was in Hinton.

She said Hinton was the first community she had involvement in where
local government and community members played a big part in
establishing models to combat drugs.

She plans to see about getting recovered drug addicts to share their
stories at future meetings on drug use in Taber to aid participants in
getting information they are looking for.

Those in attendance spoke about how the Freedom of Information and
Protection of Privacy Act puts limitations on professionals involved
in dealing with drug users.

"I can't come out and tell you who all the drug pushers are in town. I
should be able to," said Taber Police Service Chief Terry Dreaddy. "We
can't tell the community where the dangers lie."

Those who took in the session also discussed people's tendency to keep
tight-lipped when they know of someone who is using or trafficking
drugs. They deliberated having a campaign to get people to realize it
is OK to notify police about alarming issues.

During the Friday meeting the group brainstormed many ideas by sharing
their expertise.

Taber Police Service Insp. Graham Abela told the group Taber police
are considering labeling certain areas in town as drug-free zones.
People caught using or trafficking drugs at specified locations would
be given tougher fines at court.

Miller asked why all of Taber can't be a drug-free zone.

"The sky is the limit. Thinking outside the box is what we are here to
do," said Abela.

He said having a bylaw that would allow landlords to get signatures
from people to confirm their place can be checked for drugs can be
looked at as a possibility in Taber. Participants also discussed
seeing about getting a bylaw in place prohibiting offensive trades,
such as drug trafficking, within the community.

Drug task force members also discussed Taber's strengths, weaknesses,
opportunities and threats in dealing with the growing drug problem in
town. Other ideas tossed around at the meeting included going
door-to-door to spread the anti-drug message, posting anti-drug signs
around town and getting local agencies to better co-ordinate their
services to let people know where to go to get help.

Those wanting more information on the task force, or those you would
like to be involved in the May 21 meeting, can call Abela at 223-8991.