Pubdate: Tue, 06 May 2008
Source: Revelstoke Times Review (CN BC)
Copyright: 2008 Bowes Publishers
Contact:  http://www.revelstoketimesreview.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2139
Author: Jim Abbott
Note: Jim Abbott is the Conservative MP for Kootenay-Columbia riding.
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)

OTTAWA WILL FIGHT THE SCOURGE OF DRUG ABUSE

I am continually reminded by parents and teachers in Kootenay 
Columbia of the importance of protecting our children from the use of 
illegal drugs.

Drugs are dangerous and destructive, this is why this Government is 
committed to ensuring that those people who are addicted to illicit 
drugs get the help they need.

Our Government's strategy to fight illicit drug use in Canada 
provides a balanced approach that is both tough on crime and 
compassionate to those addicted to illicit drugs. We are committed to 
working with our provincial and territorial partners to improve 
access to quality services and effective approaches to treating 
individuals who pose a risk to themselves, their families and their 
communities.

Earlier this week, our government announced the Drug Treatment Fund. 
This fund will provide $111 million over five years to boost drug 
treatments that are available to young people who are at-risk. The 
Drug Treatment Funding Program is a new federal contributions program 
under the National Anti-Drug Strategy that is made up of new funding 
($45 milliom over five years) and refocused Health Canada funding 
($66 million over five years).

Responsibility for the planning and delivery of treatment services 
primarily rests with provincial and territorial governments. The 
government of Canada will work with provinces and territories on the 
implementation of this new program.  All provinces and territories 
will have access to funding under the program. Financial support will 
be provided on the basis of proposal submissions to Health Canada. 
All proposals will undergo a review and pre-determined criteria such 
as population size, and extent of need will be used to make 
recommendations regarding funding allocations.

This announcement builds on other initiatives under our National 
Anti-Drug Strategy that will lead to healthier and safer communities, 
such as our national prevention campaign aimed at youth and their parents.

The fund will strengthen treatments through investments in early 
intervention initiatives to reduce illicit drug use among youth.  It 
will also provide an important boost to the drug treatment options 
that are available to young people who are at-risk.

Our government's strategy to fight illicit drug use in Canada 
provides a balanced approach that is both tough on crime and 
compassionate to those addicted to illicit drugs. We are committed to 
working with our provincial and territorial partners to improve 
access to quality services and effective approaches to treating 
individuals who pose a risk to themselves, their families and their 
communities.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom