WHEREAS the use, addiction and death rate from use of crystal methamphetamines and other amphetamines continues to increase within British Columbia, resulting in serious health, social, and economic consequences for individuals, families and communities; AND WHEREAS crystal meth use is a growing problem for local communities and the provincial government has developed a strategy to address the problem: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of BC Municipalities request that the Province of British Columbia work in partnership with local government to address the ongoing problem of crystal meth and provide the financial and other resources needed to: - Limit access to the supply of the over-the-counter ingredients required to produce the drug; - Increase public awareness and education about crystal meth use; - Provide assistance to deal with at risk groups; - Provide assistance to treat the addiction problems created by crystal meth use; and - Provide assistance for the additional policingsafety inspection required to ensure the ongoing safety of local communities.
Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General Government remains keenly aware of the serious threat posed to public health and safety by methamphetamine use and production. In 2004, British Columbia was the first government to develop an integrated strategy to combat crystal meth and other amphetamines. Building on this initial work, the Province has committed 7 million in additional funding and new initiatives to combat crystal meth, including: - 2 million, administered by the UBCM, to help communities fight crystal meth by providing grants of up to 10,000 in seed money for local initiatives; - 3 million in the next year on a major public awareness campaign to educate parents, youth and others on the risks posed by crystal meth; 1 million of this funding will go to school-based initiatives.; and - 2 million for treatment targeting crystal meth addiction. In addition, the Province has established a new secretariat under the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General that will work with all orders of government to coordinate efforts and strategies aimed at crystal meth use and production. The Ministry has the lead in the development of strategies which will closely monitor the sales of over-the-counter medications that may be used in the production of crystal meth and, if necessary, government is prepared to take further steps to restrict the availability of these products.