News Release
2009-21
February 20, 2009
For immediate release
MOOSE JAW - Ray Boughen, Member of Parliament for Palliser, Saskatchewan, announced today on behalf of Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, that the Government of Canada is supporting projects under the Drug Strategy Community Initiatives Fund that will help prevent drug use among Saskatchewan youth.
"The Government of Canada is proud to be working with Saskatchewan communities to help curb drug use among the province’s youth,” said Minister Aglukkaq. "This project will help young people make informed choices and stay on the right track."
Through the Building Assets in Youth project, the Moose Jaw YMCA will develop and promote targeted education activities and other prevention initiatives that help prevent drug use among young people.
"The goal of the Building Assets in Youth project is to help prevent substance abuse in the Moose Jaw - South Central Region," said MP Ray Boughen. "Over the next three years, this project will support youth leadership teams in 16 communities and help youth to engage in healthier lifestyles."
Initiatives such as this one are another step in actualizing the Government of Canada’s National Anti-Drug Strategy which was announced by Prime Minister Stephen Harper in October 2007.
The federal Drug Strategy Community Initiatives Fund provides financial support for health promotion and prevention projects at the national, provincial and local levels. It addresses a wide range of illicit drug use issues, especially among vulnerable populations such as youth. The Moose Jaw YMCA will receive up to $323,500 in financial support for this important project.
Please visit the National Anti-Drug Strategy website for more information.
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Media Enquiries:
Health Canada
(613) 957-2983
Josée Bellemare
Office of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq
Federal Minister of Health
(613) 957-0200
Public Enquiries:
(613) 957-2991
1-866 225-0709
