National Anti-Drug Strategy Funding for the Council on Drug Abuse - December 2011

News Release: Government of Canada supports drug abuse prevention for Northern and Prairie vulnerable youth

Today's announcement of funding for the Council on Drug Abuse falls under the Government of Canada's National  Anti-Drug Strategy (NADS) and funding support is provided through the Drug Strategy Community Initiatives Fund (DSCIF).

NADS was announced by Prime Minister Stephen Harper in October 2007.  Under the Prevention Action Plan of the Strategy, the Government of Canada refocused approximately $50 million in health promotion and prevention contribution funding for Health Canada's DSCIF to help communities tackle the increasing challenge of illicit drug use by young people.

About the project:

The funding will support the Council on Drug Abuse's Drug Abuse Prevention Program for Aboriginal and Vulnerable Youth in Northern and Prairie School Communities. The purpose of the projectis to help prevent illicit drug use among off-reserve Aboriginal and vulnerable youth living in Canada's Northern and Prairie regions.

The project encourages youth to make healthy decisions through a better understanding of the harmful effects of illicit drug use. The project is tailored to meet the needs of youth in grades seven, eight and nine in 39 off-reserve Aboriginal and vulnerable communities in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Nunavut.  This project aims to empower youth and will increase students' capacity to avoid illicit drugs.

Funding for this project:

• 2010 - 2011 - $142,684
• 2011 - 2012 - $231,085
• 2012 - 2013 - $247,266
• 2013 - 2014 - $245,490
• 2014 - 2015 - $147,415
• Total: $1,013,940

About the Council on Drug Abuse:

The mission of the  Council on Drug Abuse (CODA) is to prevent substance abuse through health promotion and education impacting children and youth. Incorporated in 1969, CODA is a national organization that develops and delivers preventative drug abuse programs to youth aged 12 through 19. CODA also develops support resources for health promotion intermediaries, teachers, parents, police and other professionals.

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Media Enquiries:
Health Canada
(613) 957-2983

Cailin Rodgers
Office of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq
Federal Minister of Health
(613) 957-0200

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