ADDLEY TO REVIEW ALCOHOL AND DRUG ADDICTIONS STRATEGY

Premier Lorne Calvert today appointed Saskatoon Sutherland MLA Graham Addley as Legislative Secretary to the Premier on Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment.

Addley will review the province's current addictions policies and programs. He will also look at best practices in the area of addictions strategies, and recommend meaningful changes that could be made in the area of addictions in Saskatchewan. The focus of Addley's work will be prevention, treatment, enforcement and harm reduction.

"I am pleased that Graham Addley has accepted this important role," Calvert said. "As a society, we are facing constant challenges around the issues of alcohol and drug abuse and it is vital that our government and our province are prepared to face those challenges."

The Legislative Secretary to the Premier on Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment will work with addictions staff within the Department of Health and other departments and agencies. He will report directly to the Premier.

Addley's work will include consultations with community groups, educators, young people, municipalities, First Nations and Métis organizations, and other levels of government here and in other jurisdictions to determine how existing strategies can be strengthened.

"As a legislator, a citizen of the province and a parent, I have a keen interest in the area of addictions," Addley said. "Clearly, the Premier recognizes that this is an area of importance to the people of Saskatchewan, and I'm honoured to accept this position."

Addley's appointment takes effect January 1st, 2005.

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For More Information, Contact:

Tyler McMurchy Media Services Regina Phone: (306) 787-5780