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Deveaux: Implement NDP Crystal Meth Plan Before Drug Cripples Nova Scotia |
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Written by NDP News Release
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Monday, 09 January 2006 |
NDP Justice Critic Kevin Deveaux is calling on Justice Minister Michael Baker to adopt an NDP plan to head off a potential large-scale crystal methamphetamine problem for Nova Scotia in the near future.
"It's naive to assume that just because crystal meth is not a huge problem right now, that it won't be in the near future," Deveaux said Monday. "By acting now, we are better prepared to deal with the drug and its social and criminal consequences."
"We've seen other jurisdictions struggle to cope with crystal meth. We know that this drug is quickly working its way across Canada and that's why it's essential we act now."
The NDP will introduce two pieces of legislation in the Spring session to deal with the legal distribution of key ingredients in crystal meth. The first will restrict access to cold remedies that contain pseudoephedrine, like legislation that has already been passed in the Western provinces. The second will ensure that agricultural
produces who legally sell anhydrous ammonia report missing inventory to police.
The NDP is also calling for the formation of a government-led task force on crystal meth that would include representatives from law enforcement, pharmacists, former addicts, and those who provide services to populations most likely to use the drug. Deveaux recommends sending that task force to other jurisdictions in Canada and the United States that have already begun to deal with crystal meth successfully, like
Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta.
Other initiatives in the NDP plan include the development of an "Endangered Child Protocol" to assist children in situations where crystal meth is produced or use is evident, increase funding to police forces to promote crystal meth prevention, and increase funding to mental health and addiction services to deal specifically with crystal meth. |
