A "safe-injection" site set up for drug users in Vancouver has proven effective in preventing overdoses and AIDS, and getting addicts into treatment, supporters say, but the new conservative government in Canada could shut the program down, the New York Times reported Aug. 13.

The Insite program operates under an exemption to Canada's drug laws that is up for renewal next month. The exemption was granted by the former Liberal government, but Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper has taken a strong stand against weakening anti-drug laws. "We're trying to make sure (Harper) doesn't drive the car over the edge of the cliff before he checks the science," said Mark Townsend, who helps run Insite.

More than 500 overdoses have occurred at Insite, but none have been fatal.

Federal officials are reviewing the project; current Health Minister Tony Clement opposed safe-injection sites when he was a provincial health officer in Ontario. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police, which also opposed the concept, is preparing a report on Insite; the Vancouver police have asked the federal government to keep the program open.