SENSIBLE DRUG POLICY REFORM CONFERENCE

McGill's Harm Reduction Centre will host the first annual meeting of
Canadian Students for Sensible Drug Policy (CSSDP) this weekend.
Speakers and student activists from across Canada and the U.S. will
discuss domestic and international drug policies, harm reduction and
policy reform initiatives, as well as setting up other CSSDP chapters
across Canada. Students for Sensible Drug Policy, an international
grassroots organization founded in 2003, is presently forming Canadian
chapters in Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver.

The McGill conference will develop terms for a national mandate and
hold elections for the first ever board of directors for Canadian SSDP
branches.

Among the keynote speakers for the event is Ethan Nadelmann, described
by Rolling Stone as "the point man" for U.S. drug policy reform. The
founder and executive director of the Drug Policy Alliance, Nadelmann
made Canadian headlines earlier this month by challenging U.S. drug
czar John Walters' visit to Ottawa to applaud the Harper government's
strong law and order stance.

"What's remarkable about U.S. drug policy," warned Nadelmann, "is the
way it endures despite persistent evidence that it is ineffective,
costly and counterproductive. Part of [Walters'] agenda is to persuade
Canada to follow in U.S. footsteps, which can only happen if Canadians
ignore science, compassion, health and human rights."

While drug reform measures may have slipped from the mainstream
media's radar of late, interest is high and a revival of student
involvement is welcome relief to many drug war veterans.

"I can't think of a more appropriate venue," said long-time activist
and conference participant Marc Boris St-Maurice, director of the
Montreal Compassion Centre. "Students are some of prohibition's more
vulnerable victims: A criminal record for even simple pot possession
can wipe out a multitude of career options and opportunities."

Registration is free with breakfast and a vegan lunch, but a $5
donation is suggested.