[van-announce] Ex-Squatters Invite Premier to Discuss Alcohol and Substance Misuse

[Friends of the Woodwards Squat]

For immediate release January 12, 2002

EX-SQUATTERS INVITE PREMIER TO DISCUSS ALCOHOL AND SUBSTANCE MISUSE

Today the Premier was invited to meet with ex-Woodward's squatters to 
discuss alcohol and substance misuse.

A letter sent by spokesperson Dayl Scheltgen of the Woodwards Squat 
Emergency Response Team and Negotiation Team, stated, "we are sorry to hear 
about your incident" and asked the Premier to meet to "share your 
experiences with alcohol and substance misuse."

The letter asked the Premier to consider the stimulant maintenance program 
for cocaine users proposed by researchers Bruce Alexander and Jonathan Tsou. 
The squatters also acknowledged the efforts of the Portland Hotel Society in 
the management of their new temporary shelter at the Dominion Hotel.

The requested meeting is set for Thursday, January 30th.

The Woodwards Squat Emergency Response Team was elected by squat residents 
on November 23, 2002. The Woodwards Squat Negotiation Team was elected by 
squat residents on December 10, 2002 to negotiate the terms of the take-down 
of the squat on December 14 with the City of Vancouver and the 
re-development of the Woodward's building as co-operative social housing 
with the Province of British Columbia (forthcoming). The two Teams are the 
only elected representatives of the Woodwards squatters.

Contact:
Dayl Scheltgen: 604-681-6666
The Dominion Hotel - Room 113
210 Abbott Street
Vancouver, British Columbia


***

January 12, 2002

Dear Premier Campbell,

We are sorry to hear about your incident. We invite you to come down to the 
Dominion Hotel on Thursday, January 30th to share your experiences with 
alcohol and substance misuse. We could use your input on the experimental 
four-step program proposed by Bruce Alexander and Jonathan Tsou. We 
appreciate the efforts of the Portland Hotel Society and look forward to 
your future support for our community during this transition. If you are 
unable to attend on the 30th please let us know when we can get together: we 
will come and meet with you at your convenience. I may be reached at 
604-681-6666.

Yours truly,
Dayl Scheltgen
Spokesperson for the Woodwards Squat Emergency Response Team
Member of the Woodwards Squat Negotiation Team

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