CUTS TO ADDICTION SERVICES MAKE NO SENSE

Re: Council Briefs, Addiction services cut, Feb 5.

The Fraser Health Authority's addiction services budget reduction is penny
wise, pound foolish. The FHA subsidizes a maximum of $40 per diem for one
bed in a licsensed treatment facility, which is roughly the same as one
shelter bed, half as much as a prison bed and one 20th as much as a
hospital bed. Even the economic prowess of a seven year old running a
lemonade stand is superfluous.

It does not make sociological, economic or humanitarian sense to cut this
budget. The allotment given to abstinence-based recovery programs is an
investment - the return is seen in the income tax revenue generated from
recovering addicts who become productive, law-abiding, tax-paying citizens.

It is interesting to note the FHA is taking an active role in further
marginalizing the addict population from the rest of society. Could this be
the result of one of our good premier's bills signed on the beach in Maui?

Parry Malm

Coquitlam