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War on drugs may take big hit
Chris Clegg
for South Peace News
Efforts to curtail the local drug trade may be severely diminished next year with news the M.D. of Big Lakes council is threatening to pull out of the enhanced policing program.
Council took the stand at its Sept. 16 meeting after expressing its disappointment they are paying the majority of bills.
The enhanced policing program involves the hiring of two police officers specifically hired to combat the local drug trade. The three-year agreement, which ends Sept. 30, 2010, has the M.D. paying $166,000 a year while the Town of High Prairie and Peavine Metis Settlement each pay $30,000 a year.
The M.D. council says if other local First Nations and Metis Settlements don’t contribute money, they will strongly consider pulling out which would result in the program collapsing.
“There are a lot of partners who should be involved,” said Triangle, Gilwood Councillor Ken Matthews.
Currently, East Prairie Metis Settlement, Gift Lake Metis Settlement, Driftpile First Nation, Sucker Creek First Nation, Whitefish Lake First Nation and the M.D. of Smoky River pay nothing.
CAO Jeff Renaud said council did send letters to each government with some responding negatively and others simply ignoring the letter.
Matthews repeated several times he liked the results of the program but not paying the bills.
“If (enhanced policing) is doing what it should be doing it’s a small price to pay,” said Matthews, adding others are benefiting from the M.D.’s generosity. “But it’s helped our people. It’s likely worth it.”
Reeve Alvin Billings agreed with Matthews but also had problems paying. If given a choice, he said he would fund the STARS ambulance program instead.
“Most of our money comes from the oil and gas industry,” said Billings. It’s something we could give back.
“It’s been a good program but are we getting what we need?” he concluded.
Joussard Councillor Guy L’Heureux was also very concerned about money.
“When it comes to putting the money on the table it’s only the three of us,” he said. “If they want a war on drugs you’d think they would be here. If we don’t put in our money it’s dead. They’d better wake up and step up to the plate.”
He adds First Nations and Metis Settlements support the war on drugs by holding well-publicized marches but they must also pay some toward enhanced policing.
Grouard Councillor Fern Welch, who supports the program, said other partners must be asked a final time before a final decision is made.
“In the hamlets it’s different,” she says. “You don’t see it in the rural areas the damage we see in the hamlets.”
Matthews said the money issue regarding the war on drugs is not the only area the M.D. pays the bills.
“This is a problem we’ve had in this area, particularly in recreation,” he says.
He adds perhaps the police can provide council with solid numbers to justify its expense.
Council agreed to send letters one more time to each First Nations and Metis Settlement asking for money or the program will be “shut down”.
Council is not asking for $30,000 like Peavine and High Prairie pay; rather, they’d be pleased with a $10,000 commitment. Any commitment made must be annually for three years.
Driftpile Chief Rose Laboucan understands the M.D.’s frustration but adds budgets are tight.
“I’m still trying to find a way to support it,” she says. “I definitely will need to talk to my colleagues.”
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