PROTECTING KIDS FROM DRUGS

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 5 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 ($45M over five years) and refocused Health Canada funding
($66M 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.