The Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy

Transcript

Transcript - The Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy

Hi, I'm Ya'ara Saks, the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health.

Last month we launched the renewed Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy, which is Canada's comprehensive plan to tackle the overdose crisis and reduce substance use harms. It is integrated, compassionate, evidence-based, and grounded by four interconnected foundational elements.

Let me tell you a bit about them.

Prevention and education are critical to protect Canadians from the risks and harms of substance use. We have to reduce stigma through public education, outreach activities and awareness campaigns.

Evidence grounds all that we do, and we are committed to building new evidence through data-collection and research that inform substance-related policies and interventions on the ground. Accurate, timely, and reliable data is essential to decision-making.

Substance use services and supports allow equitable access to an effective and culturally appropriate continuum of care, including treatment, harm reduction and recovery. By using a wide-range of tools, we have the best opportunity to end this crisis, protect communities and save lives.

Substance controls help us protect the health and safety of individuals, families and communities, through the application of laws and regulations, and enforcement action to disrupt illegal production, trafficking, and diversion of drugs.

The strategy is our comprehensive approach to improve the health and safety of all Canadians by saving lives and minimizing substance related harms for individuals, families, and communities across Canada.

Because when people get the right support, there is hope. Together, we are building a safer, healthier and more caring future for all Canadians.