DRUG WAR, WELFARE AID TOP LIST FOR COMMUNITY GROUPS

Community program operators want the federal government to regulate
the sale of chemicals used to make the street drug methamphetamine.

Family and Community Support Services Association (FCSSAA) members
passed a resolution at its annual conference on Saturday asking for
regulations to strictly control and monitor the sale and possession of
large quantities of the chemicals and institute a reporting system for
sale and possession of the drug also known as ecstasy.

Joe Ceci, who was re-elected president of the FCSSAA board, said his
members see the devastating impact of methamphetamine in communities
across Alberta.

Many FCSS programs focus on prevention because it's important to get
to kids before they start using drugs, but more has to be done, Ceci
said, who is also a Calgary alderman.

"The bodies are floating down the river. You have to go up to see
who's throwing them in," said Ceci about methamphetamine
manufacturers.

It was the first time a methamphetamine resolution has come to
association. Drayton Valley and District FCSS submitted it for a
membership vote.

It was one of a dozen resolutions voted on at the annual meeting, held
at the Capri Centre through Saturday.

Resolutions also passed calling on government to boost welfare rates,
increase day-care funding, and review electricity deregulation.