JUNKIES LEFT IN THE COLD

When local Canadian Alliance MP Randy White's drug committee came through
Abbotsford last year we were critical of the process because they failed to
speak to anyone from the city who was directly involved in treating drug
addicts.

White was again front and centre at an Abbotsford city council meeting on
Monday, warning those politicians not to allow harm reduction programs [like
methadone clinics for heroin junkies] within their borders.

He claimed then - as he has often - that such programs only coddle the
addict and do nothing to actually treat the problem of addiction.

His words found a receptive audience as councillors agreed to not allow any
more clinics [one existing methadone clinic will be allowed to stay], partly
to send a message to Victoria and Ottawa that a more aggressive and
comprehensive approach to treating drug addiction is needed. [See the story
on Page 7 of this issue.]

Again, however, the front-line workers in the battle against drug addiction
were not part of the discussion.

"It's very frustrating. I think it's premature to make that decision," said
Charlaine Avery, director of Abbotsford Addictions Centre. She said it to
our reporter, however, because council members never sought her input.

Their decision was based at least in part on the very politically motivated
view of Randy White ["You have to forgive (the Liberals), they know not what
they are doing," he said of current Canadian drug policy].

Council members' assertion that they are taking a stand they hope will lead
to better treatment is commendable. If it's true.

However, if they were truly intent on providing relief for addicts it only
makes sense they would have more thoroughly examined the issue before them
at the municipal level.

Instead, they have passed the buck to the provincial and federal authorities
with nothing in place to help their own constituents in the meantime.

In this case, actions certainly do speak louder than words.