NO PLACE FOR SAFE-INJECTION SITES IN CITY

We support Richmond RCMP Cpl. Davis Wendell's statement that our community
should not consider allowing safe-injection sites here for intravenous drug
users.

Wendell is part of a team that was appointed to draft a drug strategy
initiative for Richmond. While speaking against the safe-injection sites in
front of Richmond school trustees last Monday night, he added: "But we're
more than prepared to support people on their journey towards abstinence."

It makes no sense to provide safe-injection sites for addicts if we are to
trying to get them off their habits. If we are to help them, we need to
provide counsellors and drug rehabilitation centres that can accommodate
those who may require long-term care.

The drug strategy team is correct in that education is the key to tackling
the drug problem. Start with youths at an early age and the work will pay
off in the long run. We need to change the attitude about drugs, not create
places for people to use them.