Prescription drug misuse and abuse a growing problem in Canadian communities
May 7, 2014 Gatineau, Quebec Public Safety Canada / Health Canada
Prescription drug abuse and misuse has become an issue of increasing concern in Canada, with impacts on public health and safety, and community well-being. Today, the Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Health, and John Weston, Member of Parliament for West Vancouver–Sunshine Coast–Sea to Sky Country, along with representatives from the Government of Canada, law enforcement and public and private sectors, highlighted the growing problem of prescription drug misuse and abuse at an event to promote National Prescription Drug Drop-Off Day.
Led by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police in conjunction with Public Safety Canada, National Prescription Drug Drop-Off Day will be held on May 10, 2014. Drop-Off Day is an opportunity for Canadians in communities across Canada to safely dispose of unused pharmaceuticals and to participate in an overall strategy to help combat the problems associated with prescription drug abuse.
In addition to National Prescription Drug Drop-Off Day, Partnership for a Drug Free Canada is also launching a campaign with Shoppers Drug Mart, encouraging Canadians to return their unused or unwanted prescription drugs to local pharmacies on a regular basis.
Our Government is taking action to address this complex issue and ensure that drugs intended to serve as medicine do not become the source of abuse and addiction. As announced in Economic Action Plan 2014, our Government has committed $44.9 million over five years to expand the scope of its National Anti-Drug Strategy to include activities to address prescription drug abuse.
By working together, we can protect Canadians from the misuse of prescription drugs and tackle head on prescription drug abuse and addiction.
Jason Tamming
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
613-991-2924
Media Relations
Public Safety
613-991-0657
Michael Bolkenius
Office of the Honourable Rona Ambrose
Federal Minister of Health
613-957-0200
Media Relations
Health Canada
613-957-2983