International Overdose Awareness Day: video

Transcript - International Overdose Awareness Day August 31, 2023

The Honourable Ya'ara Saks, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health
The Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health
The Honourable Élisabeth Brière, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health

On screen: The Honourable Ya'ara Saks, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health

Minister Saks:

Today is International Overdose Awareness Day, a time to raise awareness about the overdose crisis.
Today is a difficult day for people who have lost loved ones to an overdose, and we need to take the time to remember and the time to act. The number of lives lost and impacted by the overdose crisis is immense and we can’t just accept this.

On screen: The Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health

Minister Holland:

We must do everything we can to protect our families, friends and communities. We are working hard and have been listening to our partners, stakeholders, and the people directly impacted to address this crisis together.

Minister Saks:

We know that substance use is complex. We have to consider all the factors and the many different supports we need to meet people where they are in their journey.

On screen: The Honourable Élisabeth Brière, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health

PS Brière:

We encourage everyone to take time to learn the signs and symptoms of an overdose.
Opioids, alcohol and stimulants can all produces an overdose. Knowing the signs is a matter of life or death.

Minister Holland:
Reducing stigma around drug use so people struggling feel safe to ask for help for them or those around them is also crucial.

Minister Saks:
Together, we can raise awareness and educate ourselves about the overdose crisis, so we can be prepared to save lives and help our friends, families, and communities.
For more information, visit our “Substance use” webpage.

On screen: www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/substance-use
On screen: Government of Canada wordmark