SHAME ON THE COUNCILLORS

Re: "off the crack pipes" (July 12). I am disappointed by council's
decision to cancel the crack pipe program.

It is a decision steeped in ignorance and prejudice. I do not
understand how council can ignore the advice of the medical officer
and the recommendation of the committee mandated to advise council on
the issue. The crack pipe program is an excellent activity that draws
hard-to-reach clients toward community services and reduces the harm
associated with drug use. It has been proven repeatedly that harm
reduction paraphernalia does not cause drug use to rise.

Shame on the councillors who voted in favour of the cancellation.
They chose to ignore the advice of experts to further their own
misguided political agenda.

Jean-Francois Martinbault

Addictions and Problem Gambling Services of Ottawa

(Those who took advantage of the program will likely find it hard to adjust)