Statement Released by Education Minister Jane Purves
Department of Education (to March 26, 2013)
September 22, 1999 1:23 PM
Following is a statement issued today by Jane Purves, Minister of
Education.
Earlier today, in an interview with David Rodenhiser of The Daily
News, I was asked about my past and, specifically, about past
drug use. While I consider this matter to be private, given my
current position of public trust, I felt an obligation to answer
the questions honestly and to share this information with Nova
Scotians.
During my teens and 20s, I became seriously involved with drugs.
Initially, I experimented with so-called soft drugs. However,
this progressed to hard drugs, and I became addicted.
I sought professional help and, with the support of my family and
friends, was able to recover. I have been free of the addiction
for more than 20 years.
But, there have been lasting consequences.
I have a criminal record for possession of marijuana. I lost
custody of my only child for a number of years. And, I learned
that I had contracted Hepatitis C, as a result of drug use.
Before I entered public life, I knew that my past could, and
likely would, become public. I shared this information with my
party and with my leader. I made the decision then, that if and
when this situation arose I would confront it openly and
honestly.
Drug use could have ruined my life. It didn't.
I worked hard to recover; to re-establish my relationship with my
son; and to build a productive career. And now, I look forward
to making a contribution to my province.
Thank you.
-30-
Contact: Donna MacDonald
Department of Education
902-424-2615
E-mail: macdondc@gov.ns.ca
ram September 22, 1999 1:23 p.m.
Following is a statement issued today by Jane Purves, Minister of
Education.
Earlier today, in an interview with David Rodenhiser of The Daily
News, I was asked about my past and, specifically, about past
drug use. While I consider this matter to be private, given my
current position of public trust, I felt an obligation to answer
the questions honestly and to share this information with Nova
Scotians.
During my teens and 20s, I became seriously involved with drugs.
Initially, I experimented with so-called soft drugs. However,
this progressed to hard drugs, and I became addicted.
I sought professional help and, with the support of my family and
friends, was able to recover. I have been free of the addiction
for more than 20 years.
But, there have been lasting consequences.
I have a criminal record for possession of marijuana. I lost
custody of my only child for a number of years. And, I learned
that I had contracted Hepatitis C, as a result of drug use.
Before I entered public life, I knew that my past could, and
likely would, become public. I shared this information with my
party and with my leader. I made the decision then, that if and
when this situation arose I would confront it openly and
honestly.
Drug use could have ruined my life. It didn't.
I worked hard to recover; to re-establish my relationship with my
son; and to build a productive career. And now, I look forward
to making a contribution to my province.
Thank you.
-30-
Contact: Donna MacDonald
Department of Education
902-424-2615
E-mail: macdondc@gov.ns.ca
ram September 22, 1999 1:23 p.m.