Hon. Mike Currie, Minister of Development and Technology and Minister Responsible for the PEI Liquor Control Commission, today announced the launch of a joint awareness program to educate the public on the presence of date rape/club drugs on PEI.
The program is initiated by the Liquor Control Commission in partnership with PEI Rape and Sexual Assault Crisis Centre, Women’s Network PEI, PEI Advisory Council on the Status of Women, UPEI Security, Holland College, RCMP, Charlottetown City Police and Summerside City Police, as well as licensed establishments throughout the Island.
“I am very pleased to see the Liquor Control Commission initiate this committee in partnership with groups and agencies to bring awareness to the Island public about the seriousness of these drugs,” said Minister Currie. “We have to let people know that these type of drugs are on PEI, and we have to educate the public on ways to protect themselves.”
Minister Currie said the involvement of groups from across the Island should make the awareness program successful.
“To have groups like the PEI Rape and Sexual Assault Crisis Centre, Women’s Network PEI, Advisory Council on the Status of Women, law enforcement agencies and licensees involved shows that we are all committed to taking every step possible to ensure the safety and education of Islanders,” the Minister said. “I applaud their efforts and look forward to working in close partnership with them, through the Liquor Commission, on this very important educational program.”
Date rape drugs, such as Rohypnol, GHB and Ketamine are easily dissolved in any sort of liquid, including alcoholic drinks, soft drinks and juices. Date rape drugs cause dizziness, blackouts, sleepiness, forgetfulness, immobility and intoxication. Depending on the dose, these drugs have been known to cause coma and death.