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The Premier's Task Force on Crystal Meth, chaired by Colleen Klein and Dr. Bob Westbury, with feedback from affected groups and Albertans, will oversee the development of a province-wide, holistic strategy to find solutions to stop the abuse and negative impacts of crystal meth and methamphetamines on Alberta families and young people, communities, and workplaces.
The Task Force will listen to and bring together the strengths and knowledge of our communities, youth, families, Aboriginal people, businesses and industries, law enforcement, existing prevention strategies, and treatment and healing professions to provide recommendations on tackling the growing problem of crystal meth abuse in Alberta.
Task Force members themselves bring a variety of perspectives and insights that cover the many groups touched by crystal meth. The Chairs and Members of the Task Force will serve as provincial champions, providing vision and leadership on this issue.
Members
Colleen Klein, Chair
"It breaks my heart to see the terrible damage crystal meth is causing in Alberta communities. It takes so much from its victims... it steals their health, their relationships and their hopes for the future. In far too many cases, it steals their very lives. These are losses I refuse to accept. I’m honoured to be working with a great team of people who are dedicated to battling crystal meth and I encourage all Albertans to learn more about what they can do to join us in that fight. I believe it’s a battle we can win if we work together."
Dr. Robert Westbury, Co-Chair, and Chair, Telus Community Board
"I have four grandchildren. They are precious, they are innocent and they are irreplaceable. Like most grandparents, my wife and I have wonderful dreams and aspirations for each of them. But I know they will face a myriad of challenges as they strive to fulfill their own goals and ambitions. My hope is that, somehow, through the dedicated efforts of the members of the Task Force, we will eliminate some of these challenges and help eradicate a vicious drug that has already enslaved far too many children. And maybe, just maybe, grandchildren everywhere will be a little bit safer."
Robert Day, Senior Vice President, TransCanada Corporations
"Crystal meth knows no boundaries and there is not a business in Alberta that is immune to its devastating impact on the health and safety of our employees. It is imperative that private industry works together with government, law enforcement, treatment facilities, communities, and most importantly, our employees, to develop a holistic approach to fight this insidious drug. I believe a united front is our only defense if we are to confront and defeat the terrible faces and ways of crystal meth."
The members of the Task Force remember and appreciate Robert's passion and commitment to helping people, especially young people, who are suffering from the devastating effects of crystal meth. (Robert Day 1951 - 2006)
Don Falk, Superintendent, Red Deer Public Schools
"As an educator and a parent, I want our students, their families and our schools to do everything they can to prevent the spread of crystal meth and other illicit drugs. This Task Force has the opportunity to be the first of its kind to fight the advancement of a drug before it reaches into the very core of our communities and our society. Together, we can accomplish something that will have a positive impact on young and old today, and present a brighter future for our youth tomorrow."
Murray Finnerty, Chief Executive Officer, AADAC
"Crystal meth is the next wave in addiction and substance abuse. While AADAC has been treating addictions and substance abuse for over 50 years, we are excited by the potential of this Task Force. Crystal meth is such a dangerous drug — it is only together, through the work of this Task Force, that we can connect with communities, families, youth and all affected stakeholders to develop broad, far-reaching solutions for effective treatment and healing."
Mary Anne Jablonski, MLA, Red Deer-North
"It is very important to me that families, parents and kids have as many avenues, resources and places to turn to when they are caught in the cycle of addiction to crystal meth and other drugs. Children involved in drugs are often victims in need and I am proud of the efforts to date of the Alberta government to support their healing and recovery. This Task Force is the next step. Together, consulting with communities and Albertans, I know we can end what crystal meth has been taking from our youth and from our province."
Dan MacLennan, President, Alberta Union of Provincial Employees
"Unfortunately, crystal meth is becoming more common than ever before. It is a horrific and dangerous trend. I want to work with the Task Force to find solutions that support the workplace so employees and employers are more aware of the dangers of crystal meth and have the information and tools they need in place to stop it from spreading further."
Diana McQueen, Mayor, Town of Drayton Valley
"The magnitude and the nature of the crystal meth problem needed a community approach to the issue. Pulling together as a community to deal with community issues is what Drayton Valley does naturally. So, in the true spirit of "Pulling Together", the community again rose to the challenge of dealing with this toxic menace. I am therefore, most pleased to be a part of this Task Force and have the chance to talk, work and share with other communities our successful strategies, so together we can all prepare and prevent against crystal meth's deadly impact."
Dr. Franco Pasutto, Dean, Faculty of of Pharmacy, University of Alberta
"Crystal meth is an exceptional circumstance that will require exceptional measures. Pharmacists can play a key role not only in prevention and awareness with respect to the patients they see, but they also have a critical role in monitoring the availability of precursors or ingredients that go into producing meth. Indeed, the public and health professional communities must be fully engaged in the development and delivery of sustainable solutions to the use of this catastrophic drug."
Ian Sanderson, Staff Sergeant, Drug Awareness Unit, RCMP, 'K' Division
"As a member of the police community, I am excited about the role that law enforcement can play in province-wide, crystal meth strategy. Not only do we have a critical role in reducing the supply and demand for crystal meth and methamphetamines, but we have a very important role in prevention. I look forward to consulting with the many stakeholders involved in the law enforcement and judicial system to find realistic solutions to improve our ability to address all issues surrounding crystal meth. We must remember that the devastation from this new drug trend can be prevented by working together."
Bronwyn Shoush, Director, Aboriginal Justice Initiative, Alberta Solicitor General and Public Security
"It is an honour to have been appointed to the Premier's Task Force on Crystal Methamphetamine. Where crystal meth, other drugs, crime and violence are concerned, Aboriginal communities have been clear that the safety and security of the community comes first; and everyone in the community — elders, women, men, and youth — has roles, responsibilities, strengths and abilities to address supply and demand issues. These can be supported by laws, government departments, agencies, health authorities, police, neighbors, and others through holistic approaches that focus on youth leadership, prevention, health promotion, awareness, healing programs, law enforcement, and individual accountability to families and the community."
Carol Secondiak, Chair, Palliser Health Region
"Crystal meth is a powerful drug with a frightening impact on the human body, mind and spirit. I am pleased to represent the healthcare community on the Crystal Meth Task Force. The entire health profession and community will have to play a critical role in our solutions to this drug — the treatment and most importantly, the healing of those addicted to, and those affected by, crystal meth."
Timelines
- Consultations in key focus areas with stakeholders and groups will begin in late March and run through June 2006.
- The Task Force will consider all of the input and information obtained through their extensive consultations over the summer months and into early Fall 2006.
- Recommendations will be reviewed, further researched and written in the Fall.
- The Task Force expects to release its report by the end of 2006, or early 2007.
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| photo courtesy of Edmonton Police Service |
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