GOVERNMENTS OF CANADA AND BRITISH COLUMBIA WORK TOGETHER ON VANCOUVER DRUG TREATMENT COURT

OTTAWA, February 19, 2001 - The governments of Canada and British Columbia have reached an agreement in principle to develop a new drug treatment court in Vancouver, the Honourable Anne McLellan, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Solicitor General of Canada, and the Honourable Graeme Bowbrick, Attorney General of British Columbia announced today.

"Drug treatment courts are intended to reduce the number of crimes that are committed to support a drug dependence by reducing drug addiction through treatment, with a focus on community-based mental health, public health and social services," said Minister McLellan. "The potential long-term benefits of this type of program are significant."

Drug treatment courts aim to reduce the incidence and break the cycle of drug abuse and related crimes. Offenders participate in a comprehensive court-mandated program, which includes addiction treatment, services and support.

"We have been working with the community, the City of Vancouver, and the federal government for the past 2 years to see if this approach can be adapted to serve our needs," said Minister Bowbrick. "Although we have work left to do, today's agreement-in-principle secures the needed support from the federal government."

According to a 2000 report undertaken by the City of Vancouver, the total number of overdose deaths in British Columbia increased from 39 in 1988 to 331 in 1993. Since then, the city of Vancouver alone has averaged 147 illicit drug overdose deaths per year. Drug abuse and addiction are chronic problems that are often associated with persistent criminal behaviour. They are also associated with violence, family discord, and mental and physical health problems. Without adequate addiction treatment, the rate of criminal recidivism is typically very high.

Canada's first drug treatment court was established in Toronto in 1998 as a pilot project of the National Strategy on Community Safety and Crime Prevention—an initiative of Justice Canada and Solicitor General Canada—in concert with the Federal Prosecution Service, the Ontario government, the provincial court, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, and a range of community-based service organizations.

"The harm caused by drug abuse can have a devastating effect throughout society," said Minister MacAulay. "Drug abuse affects not only addicts, but also their partners, children, and the community at large. This type of approach will help us find innovative and lasting solutions to address drug abuse."

The Vancouver pilot program will modify the Toronto model to meet the specific needs of the community and to expand the scope of drug treatment court models in Canada. The details will be the subject of further consultations.

"We want to build upon the experience in Toronto and achieve the support of the community to ensure we have a successful made-in-BC program," said Minister Bowbrick.

Officials from Justice Canada, the National Crime Prevention Centre, the Government of British Columbia, the City of Vancouver and community representatives will continue to meet to discuss the details of the program and its budget.

- 30 -

Ref.:

Farah Mohamed
Minister McLellan's Office
(613) 992-4621

Mark Stokes
National Crime Prevention Centre
(613) 954-1721

Dan Brien
Minister MacAulay's Office
(613) 991-2924

Toby Louie
BC Attorney General's Office
(250) 356-6389