News Release
2009-56
April 8, 2009
For immediate release
LETHBRIDGE - The Government of Canada is supporting a project under the Drug Strategy Community Initiatives Fund that will help prevent Alberta youth from using illicit drugs. Rick Casson, Member of Parliament for Lethbridge, made the announcement today on behalf of Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health.
"The Government of Canada is taking concrete steps with provinces and communities across the country to prevent illicit drug use and addiction," said Minister Aglukkaq.
"This project will provide communities in Alberta with the tools they need to educate young people about the negative consequences of taking drugs."
The Teaming Up For Addiction Free Youth - the Watson Project will help the Lethbridge School District (No. 51) and its partners develop, implement and promote activities aimed at preventing drug use among community youth. The project will focus on developing classroom, web-based and other learning opportunities that help keep young Albertans away from illicit drugs.
"It is truly inspiring to see how people in Lethbridge are pulling together to address this issue," said Mr. Casson." I look forward to seeing the benefits of these efforts in the months and years ahead."Initiatives such as this one are another step in implementing 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 Lethbridge School District (No. 51) will receive $371,521 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
