MP DEPLORES ILLEGAL 'SAFE INJECTION SITE'

The opening of an unlicensed safe injection site in Vancouver's downtown
eastside is just the beginning of a problem that could see unauthorized
facilities across the city, according to Randy White, the Canadian Alliance
Solicitor General critic.

White, who was the vice chair of the Commons committee that studied drugs
in Canada, adds this problem will be amplified by users and dealers who are
attempting to escape from police crack downs in the area, the Mayor of
Vancouver who condones the establishment of these unlicensed sites, and a
federal government that is calling for the creation of safe injection pilot
projects without realizing the negative impact they will have on the community.

"I have been across Europe to visit many of these safe injection facilities
in numerous countries, and have seen the human carnage that can be found on
the streets around them. At least those facilities have trained
professionals there, with some level of government regulations. This new
illegal facility in Vancouver is using the internet to call for volunteers
to assist in overseeing the site. One can only assume that a majority of
them will not have a medical background," added White.

In the press release announcing the opening, the group running the "safer
injection site" indicated it was opened in response to the Vancouver
Polices aggressive new policing strategy.

"Last time I checked, drugs are still illegal in this country and that
includes the down town eastside of Vancouver," said White. He fully
supports the position of the police to move in to close down the site as
soon as possible.

"It's ironic that we have a police department that is trying to deal with
the drug problems in the city, and they are having their hands tied by
Larry Campbell, who is not only mayor but also chairs the police board."

White adds that if and when the federal government gives its approval to
open "pilot" safe injection sites, the drug problems won't end there.

"Mark my words, the problems this community and its police are facing are
just beginning. Once the authorized site is given the green light by the
federal Liberal government, the addicts and dealers will want a police free
zone around the sites. They will become de facto legalized drug zones, not
only to use but to traffic as well," added White.

"I can only hope that Health Canada is reviewing the establishment of this
rogue injection site when they consider the official application. It is
quite obvious that when guidelines are established, the mayor will give the
addicts and drug dealers the power to do whatever they want. Maybe it's
time for the federal government to say no."