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$7-Million in New Funding to Fight Crystal Meth

September 29, 2005

VANCOUVER – Premier Gordon Campbell has announced $7 million in additional funding and new initiatives to continue the fight against crystal meth, including new money for communities to fight the drug at the local level, a public awareness campaign, and the expansion of treatment across the province.

Campbell made the announcement during his annual address to the Union of British Columbia Municipalities.

“Crystal meth is a dirty, filthy drug. It ruins people’s lives forever,” Campbell said. “It needs to be stopped before its deathly hold claims the lives of more people in our communities – usually young lives.”

New initiatives to fight crystal meth include:

  • $2 million for the UBCM to help communities fight crystal meth by providing $10,000 seed grants to every community in the province that wants to participate and similar community-level programs for First Nations.
  • $3 million in the next year on a major public awareness campaign to educate parents, youth and other on what the drug does to those who fall prey to its destructive powers, and signs of crystal meth use. $1 million will go to school-based initiatives, and $2 million on a public advertising campaign.
  • $2 million for targeted treatment programs similar to the Meth Kickers program in Kamloops.
    Regional seminars organized by the Solicitor General to inform communities about the dangers of crystal meth, and stopping its spread.

Today’s announcement is addition to initiatives and strategies already under way. The B.C. government spends over $1 billon annually on mental health and addictions services.

“We know one thing for sure – successful prevention and treatment programs start at the street level and in local communities,” Campbell said. “They work when communities drive them. These initiatives will help municipal leaders engage in helping the provincial government solve the crystal meth problem in British Columbia. Young people in B.C. depend on us doing that.”

Campbell also announced the establishment of a new secretariat, under the Ministry of Solicitor General, that will work with all aspects of government to co-ordinate the crystal meth fight and help communities look at strategies that they can use to effectively fight this invasive drug in their local communities.

Campbell also pledged to continue working with the federal government as it works on its commitment to toughen penalties and sentencing for dealers and meth labs.

“We will continue to press for tougher controls on ingredients for crystal meth, like ephedrine, pseudo-ephedrines, and other precursors,” Campbell said. “British Columbia is leading the national fight against crystal meth in an integrated and aggressive fashion, and we want to continue that leadership because that’s how we’ll protect our children in British Columbia.”

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