FUNDING TO HELP FIGHT DRUG ABUSE

The federal government is doling out millions of dollars to help
communities fight illicit drug use and Prince Albert might be one of
the beneficiaries.

Near the end of 2007, Health Minister Tony Clement announced the
federal government would offer more than $7 million for communities
across Canada to "tackle" the problem of drug use among young people.

The funding is being made available through the Drug Strategy
Community Initiatives Fund for 2008/2009, which is part of the
National Anti-Drug Strategy that was announced in the 2007 federal
budget. Communities across the nation will be competing for the
money by submitting proposals outlining specific plans on how
to use portions of the funding.

"This call for proposals represents an important investment by the
government of Canada to steer our young people away from drugs, and
help to ensure they do not get addicted in the first place," said
Clement in the 2007 press release.