The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
In an effort to curb underage drinking, Flin Flon and Creighton RCMP are taking a new approach that emphasizes learning over punishment. Under the 180 Program, minors caught consuming or possessing alcohol are given the option of attending educational sessions rather than paying a fine. "Obviously, there's a financial incentive for the youth to partake, and we're hoping they will benefit from the program," said Creighton RCMP Sgt. Kevin Weber. Minors found breaching the alcohol laws will be given the mandatory ticket ($190 in Saskatchewan, $230 in Manitoba), but won't have to pay if they complete an educational course at the CADAC Out-Patient Centre. The educational sessions will cover topics such as substance abuse, legal consequences, injury prevention and how substance abuse may be negatively impacting the lives of each participant. "It's all about choices, so they certainly still have the choice to use, they have the choice to pay the fine," said Laurel Mackie, executive director of CADAC. "Or they have the opportunity to get some education. We hope they'll choose education because if they're going to be making decisions, we want them to be well informed decisions." See 'It's' P.# Con't from P.# The CADAC sessions will begin once at least four to six minors sign up, as the majority of the course is designed for a group. Sgt. Weber, who arrived in Creighton over the summer, brought the 180 Program concept from his previous detachment in Biggar, Sask. He said underage drinking is seen as a main form of entertainment in the local area. "It's commonplace," said the sergeant. Though she is optimistic the 180 Program will produce measurable results, Mackie said the problem of underage drinking will continue. "Alcohol is usually one of the first things that adolescents get involved with," she said. "It's pretty common practice. We just want the youth to be informed about their decision." The name of the 180 Program has a double meaning. It refers to the hope that the participants will complete a 180 turnaround regarding substance abuse; and the fact that the fines for underage drinking in Saskatchewan were originally $180.
