COMMITTEE FAVOURS PRISON NEEDLE EXCHANGE

Ottawa -- The Commons Health Committee has come out in favour of
needle-exchange programs for drug users within federal prisons in an effort
to curb high rates of HIV and hepatitis C infection among inmates. Drug
addicts can get access to clean needles in most Canadian cities but not in
prisons. Corrections Canada estimates that 70 per cent of prisoners have
substance abuse problems.

In a dissenting opinion, the Opposition Canadian Alliance opposed the
proposal for prison needle exchanges, saying they would lead to higher
rates of drug use in prisons.