Clement in tough spot staking out position on Vancouver's safe-injection site

But the supervised-injection site, known as Insite, is an issue that haunts the federal government ahead of a June 30 deadline for a decision on whether to allow it to remain open, and it's one that leaves Clement little chance to appease both sides, said a political observer.

Norman Ruff, a Victoria-based political scientist, said Insite is a divisive topic that leaves Clement with almost no room for compromise.

He can close the site and anger a long list of supporters, including the B.C. government, Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan and members of the scientific community.

Or, he can keep the site open and risk offending anti-drug, tough-on-crime critics of the site who, by and large, form part of his Conservative party's grassroots supporters.

"Given the nature of the federal Conservative party - I'm thinking the groups who associated themselves with it - it puts the health minister in the middle of a controversy," Ruff said.

"He's either got to be for it or against it. There's no middle ground and there's no soft landing."

Clement himself says science - and the numerous studies that have come out in support of the site - isn't the only factor to consider.

On Wednesday, Clement was again peppered with questions from reporters about the fate of the controversial site.

"I really can't help you with that aspect of your story," he repeated again and again.

"Regardless of where you stand on other issues related to drug addictions, I hope we're all in agreement that treatment is important, particularly for the Downtown Eastside."

Clement pointed to a number of recent announcements focusing on treatment, and shrugged off the suggestion that the initiatives are meant to protect him from the fallout that will follow a decision about Insite.

Ruff cautioned that it's difficult to read much into the recent announcements, which include funding for aboriginal addicts and an ad campaign encouraging parents to talk to their children about drugs.

"He may be looking to soften a non-renewal, or on the other hand, he may be laying the ground for those who do have the hard position (against Insite) to reconcile with the (fact that the) times are changing," said Ruff.

Insite opened in 2003 as a pilot project in the Downtown Eastside.

It operates under an exemption from federal drug laws that has been extended several times. The site needs another extension to remain open beyond June.

The site, which sees hundreds of drug users every day, allows addicts to bring in their own drugs to inject under the supervision of medical staff.

Studies have suggested the program minimizes harm to addicts, reduces the spread of disease and directs addicts toward rehabilitation programs, all while reducing emergency health-care and law enforcement costs.

Critics claim the site promotes drug use by facilitating addiction.

Sullivan praised the federal funding, but said he continues to urge Ottawa to keep Insite open.

He predicted the issue will drag on for years, especially with supporters of the site currently asking the B.C. Supreme Court to intervene.

"I do believe that when this legal court case moves forward, that this will be something that will take a number of years to conclude," he said.

"I assume that Insite will remain open during the time of the court case."

Wednesday's announcement included $10 million over five years to set up 20 new treatment beds for female addicts and a community treatment team that will offer rehabilitation programs, as well as access to medical and psychiatric help.

Another $10.6 million will go toward a national program that focuses on hepatitis C prevention, research and support.