NEW TREATMENT FUND HELPS KIDS GET OFF 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.

Our government's strategy to fi ght illicit drug use in Canada
provides a balanced approach that is both tough on crime and
compassionate to those addicted to illicit drugs.

The new Drug Treatment 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 million 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. 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.