RENEWED CANADA DRUG STRATEGY ADDRESSES CONCERNS OF ALL CANADIANS

Last week, I tabled in the House of Commons the report of the special
committee on non-medical use of drugs entitled Working Together to Redefine
Canada's Drug Strategy. This report is the culmination of 18 months of work
by MPs from all political parties. After listening to Canadians, hearing
from experts in Canada and around the world, we made 41 recommendations
that will improve the health of Canadians and, we think, have less of a
toll on our families, our communities and our finances.

Our current policies regarding substance use and misuse are not working as
effectively. There is too little education on risks and benefits, not
enough research, and too little treatment available for those who want to
make change. We need a more integrated system, with co-operation across
federal departments, federal/ provincial boundaries and in our communities.
We need to address the misuse of prescription and over-the-counter drug misuse.

Canadians need more information to make decisions on using substances,
legal and illegal. They need facts, not anecdotes. We heard that Canadians
are supportive of change. This is a health issue that affects all of us,
rural and urban, big city and small community, across all age categories.

A renewed Canada Drug Strategy, which includes clear, measurable goals and
objectives and sustained funding would ensure we achieve the most effective
policies for our citizens. We recommended the appointment of a Drug
Commissioner to ensure resources are directed appropriately and new demands
can be met. We recommended that education, prevention and treatment be
increased dramatically, so people are able to make the most appropriate
choices for themselves and their families.

Two recommendations seem to have captured the most attention in the media.
One is to allow those communities who desire it (Vancouver, Montreal,
Toronto) the opportunity to establish a safe injection site. Right now, too
many people who have an addiction to heroin, cocaine and other drugs that
they inject, are using them in unsafe conditions, in alleys and abandoned
buildings.

None of our committee members likes people using drugs like these but we
want to keep people alive. The risk of death due to overdose is real. But
the chance for someone to get treatment in the future only occurs if the
person is alive. And we do not want people to get Hep C and HIV from dirty
needles in the interim.

The other issue that generated much media attention was how to sanction
those who break the law and possess marijuana. Our committee recommended
first and foremost that the possession of marijuana remain illegal and that
trafficking remain a crime. People who are caught with small amounts of
cannabis, would, we felt, think twice if they had to pay a substantial
fine, and police officers would rather write a ticket rather than charge
someone.

Committee members don't want people to use substances like marijuana. There
are health risks. But a criminal record and the difficulties it causes
later in life (choice of careers, inability to travel) are not the best way
to discourage use. We want Canadians, especially our young people, better
informed about the risks associated with the use of all illegal substances.

I hope you will take the opportunity to read the report and its
recommendations. You can access it at www.parl.gc.ca. Let me know your
opinions and ideas.

Please enjoy a safe and happy Christmas and holiday season. I look forward
to working with you in the coming year. Happy 2003!