PROBLEM DRUG USE ON NEW POLICY RADAR

The City of Thunder Bay will soon have a municipal drug
policy.

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit announced Friday that it will
soon begin work on developing a municipal drug strategy for the city
using funding from Health Canada's Drug Strategy and Controlled
Substances Program.

"This is a very important step in reducing the harms associated with
problematic substance use in our city," Rebecca Johnson, chairwoman
of the Thunder Bay Drug Strategy Steering Committee, stated in a
press release.

"This new funding will enable us to create an integrated plan that is
specific to Thunder Bay."

A steering committee is currently being formed with representation
from drug treatment organizations, law enforcement, city council and
prevention agencies such as educational institutions, public health
and outreach programs.

The committee also plans to consult with members of the community so
that the drug strategy addresses both public health and public order
interests.

Consultation sessions are planned for the coming weeks.

"A community that works together has great potential to increase the
health of all its citizens," Johnson said, adding that "a
co-ordinated drug strategy for the City of Thunder Bay will enable
our community to work together in a more effective way to address the
causes and effects of substance misuse."