Statement from the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health on the toxic illegal drug and overdose crisis
Ottawa, ON – December 23, 2024 – Today, the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, issued the following statement:
“The opioid crisis continues to be a serious public health emergency in Canada. In 2023, there were over 10,000 overdose deaths in Canada, the highest number ever recorded. This is a tragic loss of life, and it is having a devastating impact on families, communities, and the health care system.
The Government of Canada is committed to taking action to address this crisis. That is why, in April 2023, we launched the Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy. This strategy is a comprehensive approach to reducing the harms associated with substance use, including opioids.
The strategy includes a number of measures to address the toxic illegal drug supply, including:
- Expanding access to safer supply programs
- Investing in naloxone distribution and training
- Supporting law enforcement efforts to disrupt the illicit drug market
- Working with international partners to reduce the flow of opioids into Canada
We are also taking action to improve access to treatment and recovery services. This includes:
- Expanding access to opioid agonist treatment, such as methadone and buprenorphine
- Investing in evidence-based harm reduction interventions, such as safe consumption sites
- Supporting peer-based recovery programs
The Government of Canada is committed to working with provinces, territories, Indigenous communities, and other partners to address the opioid crisis. We will continue to take action to save lives and reduce the harms associated with substance use.”
Contact for media inquiries Only:
Thierry Bélair Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health 343-549-7152 Thierry.Belair@hc-sc.gc.ca
The AI has provided us with the news.
I’ve asked Google Gemini the following question, and here’s its response.
Canada All National News a new article on 2024-12-23 17:30 titled “Statement from the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health on the toxic illegal drug and overdose crisis”. Please write a detailed article on this news item, including any relevant information. Answers should be in English.
123