NB Telegraph-Journal | News - As published on page A1 on August 15, 2006
Drugs could push election hot button
Carl Davies
Telegraph-Journal
FREDERICTON - While addressing the problem of drug use in New Brunswick can't be found in the Liberal election platform, leader Shawn Graham says it could emerge as a "hot-button" issue during the campaign.
Graham was speaking Monday after notes for a speech he never delivered were accidentally released to the media Friday.
According to Graham, the speaking notes were written by Fundy Isles MLA Eric Allaby, who wants a public inquiry into recent riots on Grand Manan sparked by residents' anger over drug trade on the island.
Those notes called for a provincewide inquiry into illegal drugs.
Graham confirmed Monday that such an inquiry is not in the party's platform, but it's something he's keeping a close eye on after the issue was repeatedly raised during his visit to Charlotte County this past weekend.
"We recognize that this is a serious issue," Graham said.
"This could be one of those hot-button issues that pop up on the campaign."
For now, Graham says he wants to keep the campaign platform focused on three main themes, energy, education, and the economy.
A public inquiry is not the only way to address the drug problem, Graham said.
"There are other options as well," he said. "It doesn't have to be as formal as a public inquiry."
Graham said one option could be a panel that travels the province for roundtable discussions on how best to address what can be a complex problem.
The Liberals will be promising a prescription drug monitoring program, more money for methadone clinics, and more money for at-risk youth.
The Liberal leader also noted that the drug problem "does play into education and the economy," two of the three main Liberal campaign planks.
Graham said he would prefer a serious issue such as this one not become a political football during the campaign.
But the issue has been earmarked as something that might have to be addressed in more depth as the campaign unfolds.
"It's something we're keeping an eye on," Graham said.
4 comments:
If it was hot button or if he was serious, it would be in his platform. He's just giving you lip service. I dare you to chalenge hiim to put it in their platform.
Yea about that, The way things are going and the new & revised political book of bulls&*t kind of blindsides the best of us these days.
Charlie don't forget the oldest saying in this book......
If You Can't Dazzle Them with Brilliance,
Baffle Them With Bulls$%t.
It wouldn't surprise me if he did. Its easy to do a 'study', they accomplish nothing and are easy to do. Try to get him to ACT on it is another question entirely.
1:42 PM
CHARLES is just ranting and raving as always.
I'm sure Shawn is going to keep Wing Nut Charlie informed of everything.
Christ, according to Mr.ADHD Shawn was one of the people who had him banned from the Leg.
That's the only thing any of the politicians could agreeon and do right, and rightly so
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