COLLEEN KLEIN TO VISIT TABER FOR DRUG CONFERENCE

Kerry Milder, who is one of the main organizers of the upcoming drug
awareness conference being held, received an unexpected benefit from
attending the premier's dinner in Lethbridge Oct. 27. Premier Ralph Klein's
wife Colleen, who Milder spoke with at the dinner, will be speak at W.R.
Myers and St. Mary's schools on Thursday Nov. 24. She will also say a few
words at a lunch being held on that day for invited guests.

"I gave her the brochure and she gave me her personal secretary's number to
call the next morning and set things up," said Milder. "She was quite
thrilled we are having this and is very supportive."

The premier's wife is speaking at W.R. Myers around 10 a.m. and at St.
Mary's around 1 p.m. Klein, who is co-chairing a provincial meth task
force, will talk to students about the consequences of trying
methamphetamine. Alvin Law, whose body was deformed when his mother took a
prescription drug to treat morning sickness, is also speaking at both
schools. He will address the positive outcomes that can occur for people
who refrain from trying drugs.

"It (Klein's presence) will bring some necessary attention to the work we
are doing in Taber and send a strong message we have a considerable amount
of support for the efforts of the community," said Milder.

Along with having support from Klein, organizers of the conference also
have a lot of backing from AADAC. Representatives from AADAC, including
local counsellors who serve Taber, the chairperson of the AADAC board, the
chief executive officer and the southwest district manager, are attending
the conference.

Since students from Grassy Lake are joining those at W.R. Myers to take in
the speeches there and students from Ace Place, Taber Christian school,
Barnwell school and Vauxhall high school will be attending the speeches at
St. Mary's, organizers won't turn parents or other community members away
unless allspace available is occupied by students.

The new meth task force, which is headed by Klein and Dr. Robert Westbury,
who is currently the chair of the Alberta Centre for Child, Family and
Community Research, will lead provincial action on the problem of crystal
methemphetamine abuse. The force will include government and community
representatives.

Part of the meth strategy will include an education campaign focused on
school-age children and 24 new youth detoxification beds being opened this
fall to treat meth addiction.