HEALTH CANADA SETTING UP PROCESS TO DEAL WITH SAFE SITES

The Province has recently reported on the future of safe-injection sites in
Canada and, as such, I would like to provide some information.

First, Health Canada is not promoting safe-injection sites.

Rather, the department is putting in place a process so communities that
choose to establish a safe-injection site pilot research project will be
able to apply for the necessary authorizations or exemptions under the
Controlled Drugs and Substance Act.

The decision will be made based on a number of criteria, including the
support of key stakeholders. The steps to implement this process include:

- - Determining the criteria that Health Canada should consider in reviewing
applications related to the establishment of pilot research projects for
safe--injection sites.

- - Providing a guidance document for communities to use to submit their
applications.

- - Issuing authorizations or exemptions, where necessary, under the
Controlled Drugs and Substance Act to sides that meet the requirements of
that legislation.

Currently, there are no proposals before Health Canada for review. Health
Canada will be in a position to receive proposals from interested
communities by the end of the year.

Upon receipt of a complete application, Health Canada will require
approximately 60 days to review a proposal.

As for funding, no decisions have yet been taken as we are at the
preliminary stages.

Anne McLellan,

Minister of Health