Message from the Ministers: International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking - June 26, 2014

As nations of the world mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, we would like to reiterate to Canadians that the federal government is preventing the abuse of illicit and prescription drugs, providing treatment to those affected, and addressing trafficking. All of these actions are designed to ensure safer and healthier communities.

The National Anti-Drug Strategy is the cornerstone of our Government's efforts to keep Canadian communities safe from the dangers linked to drug abuse and illicit trafficking. It focuses on prevention and access to treatment for those with drug dependencies, while at the same time, getting tough on drug dealers and producers who threaten the safety of our youth and communities.

Launched in 2007, the Strategy is a collaborative effort involving the Department of Justice Canada, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada, Health Canada and nine other federal departments. Since then, more than $600 million has been invested in its prevention, treatment and enforcement activities. This represents an unprecedented level of funding for anti-drug initiatives by our government, and reflects our commitment to the prevention and treatment of illicit drug use.

Canada Is Taking Action

Our Government is taking strong action on prescription drug abuse. As announced in the Economic Action Plan 2014, we have committed $44.9 million over five years to expand the scope of the National Anti-Drug Strategy to include activities to address prescription drug abuse.

We continue to work closely with all levels of government, agencies and stakeholders on initiatives such as the National Prescription Drug Drop-Off Day, which occurred in May. This was an opportunity for Canadians in communities across the country to safely dispose of unused prescription drugs and participate in an overall strategy to help combat the problems associated with prescription drug abuse. We have also held roundtable discussions with representatives of the healthcare community and research experts to discuss the scientific evidence of the risks associated with the use of marijuana by youth.

Preventing substance abuse among young people is a critical focus of the National Anti-Drug Strategy. That is why our Government recently announced $16.1 million in federal funding over three years under the Drug Strategy Community Initiatives Fund to help prevent and reduce illicit and prescription drug abuse among youth ages 10 to 24. This follows the $11.5 million our Government provided in 2013 for "A Health Promotion and Drug Prevention Strategy for Canada's Youth," a national project led by the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse to reduce drug abuse among Canadians aged 10 to 24 through education, national prevention stands and building sustainable partnerships.

The RCMP has engaged with youth in a new and exciting way by asking young Canadians to submit videos made by teens for teens that promote a drug-free lifestyle. The videos "It's Too Late" and "Trouve un moyen de dire non" were selected as winners of the Canadian Champions Video Contest out of entries from across Canada.

Moving Forward

Our Government is working with our partners at the local, national and international levels to help prevent Canadians, especially our youth, from getting involved in drug use. We are equally dedicated to supporting organizations that treat those who need help to break free from their destructive addictions. We will continue to bring to justice those that produce and distribute dangerous and illicit substances across our borders and in our communities.

The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada
The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Public Safety
The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Health