November 21, 2013
Drug and tobacco addictions can cause immense suffering, not only to those who are addicted, but to their families and friends as well. National Addiction Awareness Week is a time to learn more about addictions and what Canadians can do to prevent them, and to quit.
The Government of Canada has made important progress in fighting addiction. In 2012, we added MDPV, commonly known as "bath salts" to the list of controlled substances, meaning it is now included in the same category of drugs as heroin and cocaine. This means all activities involving this substance are illegal, except for research and scientific activities, which must be authorized by regulation. It also gives law enforcement the authority to investigate suspected illegal activities involving MDPV, which will help keep this drug off our streets.
The Government of Canada is also continuing its efforts under the National Anti-Drug Strategy (NADS), which provides a comprehensive approach to illicit drug prevention, treatment and enforcement. The Drug Strategy Community Initiatives Fund supports non-governmental and community organizations, as well as municipal, provincial and territorial governments to help prevent drug use among youth, Activities also promote public awareness of substance abuse issues through health promotion and prevention projects.
Prescription drug abuse has emerged as a key concern for many Canadians and the Government of Canada is taking action so that Canadians are protected against harms from drugs that are prone to misuse and abuse. In the recent Speech from the Throne, our Government committed to expand the scope of NADS to include prescription drug abuse. In addition, we are working in close collaboration with provincial and territorial governments, expert stakeholders like the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse and health professionals to find solutions for this complex problem.
The federal government has provided funding support to the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse, which developed First Do No Harm, a strategy to address prescription drug abuse. This work will be a key tool to inform the future efforts of all levels of government, stakeholders and the health care community on this important issue.
We have achieved significant progress in reducing smoking rates in Canada. The 2012 Canadian Tobacco Use Monitoring Survey shows that smoking among 15 to 17-year-olds is at 7 per cent, an all-time low. Smoking among Canadians 15 years and older has dropped to 16 per cent, also an all-time low. But while smoking rates continue to decline, we still have work to do. Tobacco use accounts for approximately $17 billion in annual costs to Canadians, including $4.4 billion in direct health care costs. Tobacco use remains the most significant cause of preventable disease, disability, and premature death.
Going forward, we will continue working to preserve the gains we have made and to maintain the downward trend in smoking. To achieve this, we will continue key initiatives, such as the toll-free pan-Canadian quit line number and web portal address that appears on cigarette and little cigar packages. We will also focus our efforts on two groups with higher rates of smoking than most Canadians - on-reserve First Nations and Inuit communities and young adults - and work to address tobacco as a risk factor for serious disease.
Our Government also recently announced increased efforts to keep our streets and communities safe by keeping contraband tobacco off Canadian markets and out of the hands of children. These changes will advance the Government of Canada's efforts to combat the trafficking and cross-border smuggling of contraband tobacco by creating a new Criminal Code offence with mandatory penalties of imprisonment for repeat offenders.
During National Addictions Awareness Week, we encourage all Canadians to work toward the elimination of addiction to make Canada a healthier and safer place to live.
Rona Ambrose
Minister of Health
Government of Canada
Peter MacKay
Minister of Justice
Government of Canada
Steven Blaney
Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
Government of Canada
For more information on:
You Can Quit Smoking. We Can Help.
Alcohol
DrugsNot4Me
National Anti-Drug Strategy
Talking with your Teen about Drugs (a booklet for parents)
Substance Use and Treatment of Addictions (First Nations, Inuit and Aboriginal Health)
Health Canada Reminds Canadians that "designer drugs" are dangerous and illegal
