After debating the issue for nearly eight hours Thursday, Ottawa city councillors have decided to continue handing out free kits to chronic crack users.

The city's health and social services committee took another look at the initiative after opposition from police Chief Vince Bevan, who has said the program may be illegal, and could encourage the drug's use.

Police Chief Vince Bevan makes his case at committee Thursday
Police Chief Vince Bevan makes his case at committee Thursday

"I am concerned that the message we are sending is that there is a safer way to do crack; it's OK to try crack," Bevan told the committee during the debate.

He was one of more than a dozen people who delivered presentations, before the motion to stop the program was eventually voted down, 6-3.

The city has handed out about 600 of these kits since April 1
The city has handed out about 600 of these kits since April 1

The program gives drug addicts free pipes, mouthpieces, and filters to discourage them from sharing equipment. It's an attempt by health officials to reduce the spread of infectious diseases, such as HIV and hepatitis C. Each kit costs 41 cents, and about 600 of them have been handed out since the program started April 1.

This year the city has allotted $2,500 for the program, which the health office sees as an extension of the needle exchange program.

Ottawa's medical officer of health, Dr. Robert Cushman, says the cost is well worth it. "If this entire program prevents one case of HIV per year … it will pay for itself."

A recent study in Winnipeg showed fewer people shared their paraphernalia after health authorities gave them drug kits, and 62 per cent of people who used the kits reported fewer problems with burned or cracked lips. The blood from people's lips facilitates the spread of hepatitis C or HIV.

Bevan is waiting for a legal opinion from the federal Crown about whether charges can be laid against anyone connected with the city's distribution of crack kits.

City solicitor Jerry Bellomo was initially concerned when he heard about the program, but says his research confirms that the city isn't breaking any laws.