NEW A-G IS PUSHING DRUG COURT

Vancouver could have a dedicated drug court that aims to divert addicts
into treatment rather than jail within months if B.C.'s attorney general
has his way.

Graeme Bowbrick was in Toronto yesterday to look at the experimental court
there and likes what he saw.

"It was a very progressive way of dealing with a crime problem," he said.

"It's a way of atacking the crime and the causes of crime. Here's a model
that makes sure people take responsibility for the crimes they commit, but
also says, 'Let's do something to stop crimes from being committed.'"

Bowbrick is so confident the courts could be used to coerce people into
programs to help them get off drugs he plans to ask Ottawa for money for
the project.

John Turvey, who runs the oldest and largest needle exchange in the world
out of offices in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, said Bowbrick needs to be
prepared to put $20 to $30 million a year into a drug treatment program in
B.C. to have an effect.

"What addicts need... is a program of care that starts with detox and
residential treatment that also includes life skills and job training,
housing away from where all the drugs are being sold," he said, noting $900
million worth of heroin and cocaine is used every year in B.C.

"They need help completely revamping their lives in a drug-free
environment. They even need new friends."