Drug Strategy Community Initiatives Funding - B.C. Projects

News Release: Government of Canada Works with B.C. Communities to Help Prevent Young People from Taking Illicit Drugs

Under the Drug Strategy Community Initiatives Fund of the Government of Canada's National Anti-Drug Strategy, $48M over five years has been committed to providing financial help to communities for local projects to tackle the growing challenge of illicit drug use among young people, in addition to helping to develop community-based, drug-use prevention strategies, programs and services aimed at youth as well as information tools for parents, educators, and health professionals.

The following is a breakdown of today's funding under the Drug Strategy Community Initiatives Fund:

Board of Education of School District #36 (Surrey, BC) - Bridges project

The Bridges project targets youth in transition to secondary school, facilitates increased peer connections, increased interpersonal and life skills and increased knowledge about substance use. The major partners of this project include the Surrey School District, Surrey Parks and Recreation, the RCMP and Surrey Fire Department. Funding for this project is  $280, 979.  

Vancouver Coastal Health Authority - C.A.L.L. (Creating Action, Learning and Leadership) Out! project

This project will help prevent illicit drug use by creating opportunities for marginalized and mainstream youth (youth that are lesbian, gay, bisexual, two-spirit, queer and transgender) and help them develop a positive sense of self and a sense of belonging, as well as fostering their leadership skills. In addition, this project will help build capacity among parents, supportive adults and community groups to support healthy youth development. $419,481 has been allocated for this project.

Nanaimo Family Life Association - Life Works Project

Approximately 600 to 800 youth per year will be impacted by the life skills programming of this project. Some of the objectives of this project include: developing substance use prevention content for youth, preparing youth transitioning from elementary school to secondary school, and increasing the ability of young at-risk parents to provide a stable and supportive environment for their children. Funding for this project is $401,439.