November 21, 2000

 

Mayor Relases Draft Discussion Paper on Drug Strategy

 

Mayor Philip Owen today released a draft discussion paper called A Framework for Action – A Four-Pillar Approach to Drug Problems in Vancouver,   including prevention, treatment, enforcement & harm reduction. After more than two years of consultation with residents, community organizations, the business community, service providers and all levels of government, the City of Vancouver has drafted a discussion paper that balances public health and public order.

The framework, built on a four-pillar approach, includes a range of actions to prevent drug addiction and to help those who have an addiction and need treatment. It also clearly states that public disorder, including the open drug scene, must be stopped. In short, addiction needs treatment, criminal behavior needs enforcement.

Further, the discussion paper outlines how the City of Vancouver, provincial, and federal governments, as well as the entire community can address drug misuse across the city.

"A thorough and vigorous discussion of this framework is needed after which I will seek the commitment of the provincial and federal governments to provide the necessary funding. A positive first step was taken on September 29^th when

$13.9 million was announced by the federal and provincial governments, and the City under the Vancouver Agreement to assist with drug treatment, housing, policing and economic development," said Mayor Philip Owen.

A Framework for Action highlights 31 actions in support of four major goals:

Goal 1: Provincial and Federal Responsibility – To persuade other levels of government to take action and responsibility for elements of the framework within their jurisdiction by encouraging a regional approach to the development of services, and by demonstrating the city-wide, regional, national and international implications of drug problems in Vancouver. This goal is the overarching goal and the key element in achieving the following three goals.

Goal 2: Public Order – To work towards the restoration of public order across Vancouver by reducing the open drug scene (particularly at Main & Hastings), by reducing the negative impact of illicit drugs on our community, by reducing the impact of organized crime on Vancouver communities and individuals, by providing neighbourhoods, organizations and individuals with a place to go with their concerns related to safety, criminal activity, drug misuse and related problems, and by implementing crime prevention techniques to increase public safety.

Goal 3: Public Health – To work towards addressing the drug-related health crisis in Vancouver by reducing harm to communities and individuals, by increasing public awareness of addiction as a health issue, by reducing the HIV/AIDS/hepatitis C crisis, by reducing illicit drug overdose deaths, by reducing the number of those who misuse drugs, and by providing a range of services to groups at risk such as youth, women, Aboriginal persons, and the mentally ill.

Goal 4: Coordinate, Monitor & Evaluate – To advocate for the establishment of a single, accountable agent to coordinate implementation of the actions in this framework, and to monitor and evaluate implementation through senior representatives of the Vancouver/Richmond Health Board (VRHB), the Vancouver Police, the City of Vancouver, the BC Centre for Disease Control, the Ministry for Children & Families, the Office of the Attorney General and community representatives.

"Vancouver is a city admired the world over for its beauty, climate, multicultural vibrancy and progressive attitudes. However, more and more communities, individuals and visitors are affected by the harsh realities of our major illegal drug problem. Substance misuse and public order problems are affecting the wellbeing of communities and individuals throughout the Lower Mainland. We are in a crisis situation and this framework, based on balanced implementation of prevention, treatment, enforcement & harm reduction, is what we need," said Mayor Owen.

This discussion paper sets out four goals and 31 recommended actions based on the four-pillar approach, which could result in the need for $20 to $30 million annually.

As many individuals and community organizations as possible are encouraged to review and provide feedback on this draft discussion paper. The general public consultation will be done in partnership with Vancouver’s Coalition for Crime Prevention & Drug Treatment.

Public & Community Dialogue

General Public Consultation (city-wide)

• Mayor’s Forums November/December
• A Regional Mayor’s Forum November/December
• Review with the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) to discuss regional and provincial responsibilities January/February
• Public forums or small group discussions January/February
• A newspaper insert for broader public review and comment in January
• As many individuals and organizations as possible are encouraged to review and comment on the discussion paper from December through February.

*** Comment by; email, fax, mail or through forums and small-group discussions.

 

City-wide Dialogue with Communities

Discuss & build areas of agreement with:

• neighbourhood residents
• community organizations
• health sector
• education sector & service providers
• business sector
• police

 

Government Review

• Vancouver City Council (Vancouver Agreement partner)
• Regional Mayors & Councils
• Provincial Government (Vancouver Agreement partner)
• Federal Government (Vancouver Agreement partner)

 

About Vancouver's Coalition for Crime Prevention and Drug Treatment
It was launched in 1997 by Mayor Philip Owen and the Chief Constable of the Vancouver Police with 20 community partners. Now, with more than 60 partners from the business, health, recreation, social, education and tourism sectors as well as service providers, it continues to grow in its efforts to improve crime prevention and drug treatment throughout Vancouver.

Download a complete PDF version of the report A Framework for Action, A Four-Pillar Approach to Drug Problems in Vancouver (a draft discussion paper)
To view PDF, you need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader

To request a mailed copy call 873-7621 or 688-7202

 

Media enquiries:    

Laurie Rix
Office of the Mayor
873-7410

 

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(c) 2000 City of Vancouver