The broadcaster and actor David Berner discusses drug addiction treatment and his founding of the X-Kalay Foundation some forty years ago, which still exists helping people battling addictions in Winnipeg, with Joseph Planta.

Text of introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line. This is THECOMMENTARY.CA.

One of the continuously surprising things about doing this interview program is that from time to time you get to talk to people you’ve long been a fan of; people you’ve been listening to for years, watching, or reading. David Berner is one of those people. And one of the great bonuses has been getting to know David, on occasion having lunch with him. Over a recent meal, he told me about some travels he’s made this past summer, trips that revisited his past. Over forty years ago now, David founded a residential treatment centre for drug addicts, ex-cons and alcoholics, the X-Kalay Foundation. If you’re like me and listened to David’s radio program over the years, you’ve heard about it before. But the background is fascinating, and on a trip to Winnipeg some weeks ago, David gave a marvellous talk to the organisation about its history. It’s on You Tube, and we’ll link to it on the website. (Watch David’s speech HERE.) If you get the chance to watch the video, it’s about an hour or so, but well worth it. I’ve asked David on today to talk about this part of his vast and varied life, to talk about drug addictions. In his previous appearances we’ve talked politics, but this time something different and I hope useful. In his last appearance in May, we talked about the suspending of his blog, which I’m glad is now back. David’s posting frequently, and they’re great reads. The blog is at www.thebernermonologues.blogspot.com, and his website is at www.davidberner.com. Please welcome back to the Planta: On the Line program, David Berner; Good morning, Mr. Berner.

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