The governments of Canada and Manitoba improve access to treatment for people with substance use disorders

From: Health Canada

News release

December 7, 2018                  Winnipeg, MB                         Government of Canada

The opioid crisis continues to devastate individuals, families and communities across Canada. In Manitoba, a significant increase in the use of methamphetamines remains problematic and has resulted in a number of negative impacts for individuals, families, and communities. Without increased access to effective, evidence-based treatment options, people with problematic substance use, whether as a result of the opioid crisis or, increasingly, due to methamphetamines, will continue to be at risk for overdose.

Today, on behalf of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Health, the Honourable Jim Carr, Minister of International Trade Diversification and Manitoba’s Minister of Health, Seniors and Active Living, the Honourable Cameron Friesen announced  a bilateral agreement under the Government of Canada’s Emergency Treatment Fund.

This agreement provides nearly $4.2 million in funding from the Government of Canada to increase access to treatment for substance use disorder. This funding, which has been matched by the Government of Manitoba, will specifically help people with problematic substance use.

In the coming months, a tendered contract will be awarded to a local agency or agencies to provide long-term withdrawal management beds in Winnipeg and Brandon that are appropriate for people who use meth.

While preventing overdoses remains vital, helping people with problematic substance use access treatment will ultimately help them live healthier lives.

Quotes

“While opioid-related overdoses continue to have a devastating impact, Manitoba has also faced the challenge of rising rates of problematic methamphetamine use. This bilateral agreement will facilitate and increase access to essential treatment services in Manitoba—services tailored to help people with problematic substance use. We must continue to work in a comprehensive and collaborative way to address substance use and to help Canadians access treatment and supports.”

The Honourable Jim Carr
Minister of International Trade Diversification

“Manitoba has responded to the unique challenge that problematic methamphetamine use presents to our communities with a number of initiatives, including the opening of five Rapid Access to Addictions Medicine (RAAM) clinics. Collaborating with our federal partners will further expand the treatment options available to Manitobans, providing them the right care at the right time.”

The Honourable Cameron Friesen
Minister of Health, Seniors and Active Living

Quick facts

  • Budget 2018 committed more than $230 million over five years to address the opioid crisis. This funding includes $150 million for a cost-shared Emergency Treatment Fund. Related investments made by provinces and territories since January 2016 can count towards the matching of federal funds.

  • The federal government has allocated funding based on the severity of the opioid crisis in the province or territory and the size of the population in the jurisdiction. This ensures that provinces and territories most impacted by the crisis have enough support, and that other jurisdictions are able to prepare for possible future impacts.

  • Federal funding is matched by the province or territory beyond the first $250,000 and the jurisdiction has up to five years to match the initial investment of money from the federal government.

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Contacts

Isabella.Brisson-Urdaneta
Press Secretary
The Hononourable Jim Carr
Minister of International Trade Diversification
343-550-4980
Isabella.Brisson-Urdaneta@international.gc.ca

Kevin Engstrom
Press Secretary for Cameron Friesen
Minister of  of Health, Seniors and Active Living
204-230-5131

Media Relations
Health Canada
613-957-2983
hc.media.sc@canada.ca

Public Inquiries:

613-957-2991
1-866 225-0709

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