Professor Neil Boyd, SFU Criminologist Speaks Out on InSite Research

OTTAWA, May 5 /CNW Telbec/ - Professor Neil Boyd, a Criminologist at Simon Fraser University who was recently engaged by the Stephen Harper Government to conduct research on InSite, Vancouver's supervised injection site(SIS), addressed the Ottawa Press Gallery today outlining the benefits of the facility. These public comments are a blow to the Federal Government, as Professor Boyd is the Government's key "witness" in the ongoing BC Supreme Court case regarding InSite's legal status.

"There is no doubt that InSite has made a positive impact for the individuals who use InSite, the residents, service providers and business operators in the neighbourhood, and for the greater public health of the community," said Professor Boyd.

Boyd's research, compiled for an advisory committee specifically selected by the Stephen Harper Government, highlighted many positive impacts of InSite's work, including:

 - InSite is strongly supported by business operators, service providers and residents in the   neighbourhood surrounding the facility.

- An intentionally conservative cost-benefit analysis demonstrated that there are significant savings to tax-payers as a result of InSite's work.

- InSite has proven to have a positive impact in reducing the spread of HIV/AIDS, and the consequent costs of its treatment.

- InSite prevents drug overdose deaths.

- There have been no adverse effects from InSite on drug use patterns, crime, or public disorder.

"The research presented re-confirms the kinds of results obtained from the other Health Canada funded evaluation," said Professor Boyd. "Mr. Harper should respect science and its principles -- the findings are demonstrated consistently in independently peer-reviewed scientific journals."

"The Government's questions relating to InSite's impact have effectively been answered," added Professor Boyd.

In September, 2007 a letter was published in the scientific medical journal Open Medicine, signed by more that 130 prominent Canadian doctors and scientists urging Mr. Harper to refrain from placing ideology ahead of scientific evidence.

A "backgrounder" to this news release can be found at www.communityInSite.ca.

For further information: Media Contacts: Mark Townsend, cell: (604)720-3050,
PHS Community Services Society; Nathan Allen, cell: (604) 833-0748,
InSite for Community Safety; www.communityInSite.ca.