DRUG STRATEGY FAILING

Re: Parents of teen charged in stabbing could sue, July 28.

This tragic story demonstrates the total failure of Canada's drug strategy.

In spite of the hundreds of millions being spent on police, courts and
prisons to prevent drug use, most youths use drugs before they finish high
school.

The Gatineau parents did everything they could to get help when their son
got into trouble with drugs and wanted help. The legal system and the courts
will now spend far more on this case than it would have cost to have
adequate care in place when the parents and their son desperately needed it.

What happened in Gatineau can happen anywhere in Canada, and it does with
equally tragic results. Families deserve a really balanced drug strategy
that puts resources in the hands of those who can help their children.

Perhaps if the Gatineau parents sue, then the government might have to pay
attention.

Harvey Davey,

Ottawa