Pubdate: Mon, 22 Oct 2007
Source: Victoria Times-Colonist (CN BC)
Copyright: 2007 Times Colonist
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/481
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v07/n1214/a06.html
Author: Rob Garson
Note: Newspaper title is capitalized.  Subtitle created by MAP Editor 
for archiving purposes only.

I Agree -- Needle Exchange Is An Unmitigated Disaster

NEEDLE EXCHANGE AN UNMITIGATED DISASTER

I agree with the recent commentary suggesting that the needle 
exchange is an unmitigated disaster for Victoria.

Our three levels of government have failed to establish a supervised 
injection site and to provide adequate treatment, counselling and 
housing services for these ill persons. This failure has imperilled 
drug users, their families and the community. This failure stands, at 
best, as an example of gross incompetence.

The only solution is a simple one. I propose the establishment of 
three needle exchange kiosks. The first should be placed on the 
British Columbia legislative grounds, preferably beside the MLAs' 
entrance. The second should be established at City Hall, beside the 
mayor's entrance. The third should be placed in front of the Sidney 
constituency office of federal minister Gary Lunn.

Direct experience of this socio-medical tragedy might allow these 
pols and their cronies to overcome either their incompetence or their 
wilful blindness, or both.

Rob Garson,

Victoria.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman