Professor Jamie Cameron from Osgoode Hall Law School to Speak at AGM The B.C. Civil Liberties Association will be holding its Annual General Meeting on Thursday March 27, 2003 at 7:30 pm at the YWCA (4th Floor, 535 Hornby St., Vancouver, B.C.)

As part of the AGM proceedings, the BCCLA will be awarding its annual Reg Robson civil liberties award to former Mayor Philip Owen for his vital work in establishing the Four Pillar approach to drug problems in Vancouver. This approach integrates prevention, treatment, enforcement and, especially important to civil libertarians, harm reduction as a novel method for dealing with drug problems. The adoption by Vancouver City Council of the Four Pillar program under Philip Owen’s leadership reflects an important shift away from the “War on Drugs” and from treating drug issues as merely a criminal justice problem to treating them as a health issue.

John Dixon, President of the BCCLA states: “Mr. Owen had the political courage to change the way our civic authorities treat drug issues. His leadership will have long term, beneficial implications for the full range of substance abuse issues. Philip Owen has broken the ground for harm reduction strategies and the BCCLA will celebrate this important step by honouring him.”

Also speaking at the AGM will be noted free speech academic and expert Professor Jamie Cameron of Osgoode Hall Law School.

BCCLA Members and the general public are invited to attend.