Harper meets our 'Tanyas'
By JOHN MOHAN

Two weeks ago as I returned from a homelessness reduction conference in Washington, DC, I received an e-mail: "So don't blab it all over the plane. Someone just called and the Prime Minister is coming to town on Tuesday, and they are doing a round table on Wednesday about youth and drugs. Your name has been put forward to be there and they have given him the go ahead to ask you. You need to call him when you are back home.

After the shock and mumbling to myself, "Huh, how about that...," I wondered, "What do I know about youth and drugs?" While Siloam Mission, the agency I lead, provides emergency and transitional support for the homeless, many who are drug and alcohol abusers, most of our patrons are 40 to 50 years old.

Once home, I confirmed my attendance but was sworn to secrecy for security reasons. To sound somewhat intelligent, I did consult with a few friends who have either been drug-involved street youth or specialize in youth work. I vaguely asked, "If you could have the ear of the government, what would you tell them about youth, parents and drug awareness?" Their answers were simple yet brilliant. I was ready to meet Prime Minister Harper.

On the day of the meeting I arrived at the Winakwa Community Centre at 9 a.m.
As I chatted with federal President of the Treasury Board Vic Toews, Kildonan-St. Paul MP Joy Smith, and St. Boniface PC federal candidate Shelly Glover, RCMP security and a bomb-sniffing dog combed the site. I didn't know whether to feel safe or threatened.

A half hour after guests and media were cleared to enter the meeting room, the prime minister arrived. He entered without any fanfare and circled the room, introducing himself to each attendee.

After viewing a brief awareness piece, the media were instructed to leave before each representative was given a brief opportunity to respond. As a Winnipeg Sun columnist, I felt I was in forbidden territory. I tried to be on my best behaviour, but when it was my turn to remark, I couldn't help myself. I explained that I was insecure about my lack of knowledge about youth and drugs since I preferred wine and mature women (meaning my wife).

Once I got that off my chest, I spoke on behalf of a young lady who lives on our streets.
"Tanya" says that, more than anything else, the positive or negative role of parents contributes to whether or not a teen will be a drug user -- especially if a parent is a user themselves. Secondly, a parent's neglect or support of their kids will impact their credibility to discuss drug issues.

Thirdly, if there is abuse or violence in the home, kids will try to mask the pain and memory by any means possible, including drugs.

Lastly, if youth find themselves on our streets to escape their broken families, the availability of youth shelter beds may make the difference between drug use and rationally sorting things out. In Winnipeg we have about 160 emergency beds for adults and 14 for teens.

Harper was attentive and respectful, taking notes and asking questions. He seemed to understand both as a politician and a parent.

Only time will tell how much that will help the "Tanyas" of our city. But I gave it my best shot.

Originally printed in The Winnipeg Sun August 13, 2008.
Reprinted with the permission of Sun Media Corporation.