WV DRUG STRATEGY DEBATED

ALTHOUGH West Vancouver District council voted unanimously in favour of
putting $40,000 towards a drug abuse strategy on Monday, some councillors
had concerns.

The money, which will be split and used over two years, is going toward the
cost of a full-time consultant, who would act as a liaison for youth,
school staff and parents.

Paola Merkins, West Vancouver school board trustee, told council the
liaison person would be an enormous asset to the school district and would
fill an important void, which currently exists in the community.

The use of dangerous drugs is steadily increasing, Merkins told council
before the vote.

"Today we are looking at 11- and 12 year-olds already using drugs, not only
tobacco and alcohol, but harder drugs like marijuana and heroin," she said.

But Coun. Victor Durman wondered how the strategy would help kids who
attend West Vancouver private schools because the consultant is only slated
for public schools.

"Is this going to every kid in West Vancouver?" Durman asked Merkins.

"You are asking West Vancouver to put up $20,000," Durman said.

"We represent many parents who don't send their kids to public schools. I'm
worried because this person is going to be hired by the district and they
will deal only with public schools."

Although it is a school district initiative, West Vancouver school district
Supt. Geoff Jopson indicated that he would include private schools in the
endeavour.

"We would make every effort to invite the private schools, ie. through
teacher training," Jopson said in an interview with the North Shore News
after the council meeting.

"The report contains ten recommendations. The coordinator will provide
leadership where appropriate. We would invite the private schools to be a
part of the discussion, " said Jopson.

The West Vancouver school district is sharing the costs of the
substance-abuse liaison person with the municipality.

"This is not a handout, the school district is meeting us halfway," Coun.
John Clark said in response to Durman's concerns.

Coun. Pam Goldsmith-Jones, who initiated the motion said, "We are taking
our own Four Pillar approach," referring to the drug strategy (prevention,
enforcement, treatment and harm reduction) that the City of Vancouver endorses.

"But this is about doing a much better job of prevention," she added.

However Coun. Jean Ferguson also raised questions about the project.

Ferguson was concerned that the funding may become ongoing and wondered if
the municipality will also be expected to pay for other pillars.

"I have a little discomfort going down this road," said Ferguson.

She voiced concerns that payment may set a precedent and the cost of future
substance-abuse policies may fall on West Vancouver District's shoulders.

"I hope we are not doing the wrong thing," she said.

But Richard Wagner, West Vancouver District's social services manager
assured council that it is the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority's
responsibility to cover the costs of addiction services. The West Vancouver
strategy, Wagner said, "would be complementary."