By Tyler Marr

Councillor puts forward call for focus group on drug abuse

Aug 31, 2017 | 2:54 PM

Rising drug problems in Prince Albert made their way to the forefront at city council’s latest meeting.

Wanting to pinpoint how drugs are impacting the city, Coun. Blake Edwards called for a report to establish a focus group on the issue. The group, he says, should assist “to find solutions to the problems that arise from these drugs.”

“The rise of drug use in the city is high and drug use is bringing on property crime,” Edwards said.

He spoke to a startling statistic which shows approximately 85 per cent of property crimes occurring in the city is related to crystal meth.

Edwards went on to say he spoke with a number of community groups and individuals who agreed to start discussing the issue. He suggested members of the police, Prince Albert Grand Council and local youth be involved.

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“We need to talk to the youth, they see where these problems are starting. We need to hear the voices of the youth, bring them on to the focus group. From the schools, youth groups, wherever this may be,” he said.

Further, he suggested those currently working inside the Prince Albert Community Mobilization Hub and COR projects be part of the group as they have addiction and prevention services in place and have a “step up towards this problem that we have.”

“We need to bring attention to the city and the province and the federal government and say ‘listen, Prince Albert is having some difficulties here,’” he said. 

Edwards would also like to see part of the focus group hone in on the lack of treatment centres in the province. He said a number of people have informed him former or current addicts have difficulty getting help due to the limited availability.

“We need to pressure the province and the government that we need treatment beds that are over 90 days,” he said. “I am hoping with this group, we can bring in a number of parties coordinated by city council in order to ensure possible policy changes in the city.”

There is no set date for when the report will come back to council for consideration.

tyler.marr@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JournoMarr