Message from the Ministers of Health, Justice and Public Safety to Mark National Addictions Awareness Week (November 12-18)
Statements
November 14, 2017 - Ottawa, ON
November 12-18, 2017, marks National Addictions Awareness Week – a time to raise awareness of the needs and issues facing those who are living with a substance use disorder. It also provides an opportunity to begin a conversation about the importance of ending the stigma that is so often associated with substance use. We must show empathy and learn about the different types of substances that shape the issue of addictions, and how they affect people’s lives, their families and their communities.
We are in a national public health crisis, and we are taking a whole of government approach to tackle the issue of substance use. By the end of 2017, it is estimated that over 3,000 will lose their lives to apparent opioid-related deaths, which is an undeniable tragedy.
The Government of Canada is taking a proactive and collaborative approach to reduce opioid-related deaths and harms. This year, Health Canada collaborated with Justice Canada and Public Safety Canada to establish the Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy, a new evidence-based and health-focused approach. We also passed the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act, which encourages people to seek emergency medical help during a drug overdose by providing certain legal exemptions for people who call for help and remain on the scene.
Taking a public-health approach to drug policy helps the justice system work better by focusing enforcement on those causing harm. This also means working with community groups and a variety of health care providers to provide a tailored response to this crisis while considering regional and social determinants.
People in recovery and loved ones left behind from overdose-related deaths have told us that stigma and discrimination continue to prevent people from seeking and receiving the treatment they need. These negative labels and judgements lead to shame and isolate those who need help. They can lead people to hide drug use and use drugs alone, putting them at higher risk of accidental death from an overdose.
The most important step we can all take to reduce stigma is to talk openly, compassionately and respectfully about substance use and those who suffer from addiction. We must remember that they are people first, and they are separate from their dependence.
We all want people with addictions to seek help. If you, or someone you know needs help with substance use disorder, there are national resources available online and through provincial or territorial helplines.
The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor
Minister of Health
The Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould
Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada
The Honourable Ralph Goodale
Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness