Message from the Ministers of Justice, Health and Public Safety

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National Addictions Awareness Week

November 13th - 19th, 2011

Substance abuse has a profound affect not only on those who suffer from addictions, but also on family members, co-workers, communities and on our society as a whole.

National Addictions Awareness Week is a time to learn more about substance abuse and addictions, and how they can affect people from all walks of life.

The Government of Canada is funding several programs to help prevent substance abuse and help break the cycle of addiction. Since it was created five years ago, the National Anti-Drug Strategy (NADS) has been backing both prevention strategies and treatment.

Our Government is working with our partners including provincial, territorial and municipal governments, community groups and non-government organizations to achieve the goal of preventing illicit drug. That includes getting tough on drug dealers who threaten the safety of our youth and communities. Three areas of focus are: improving access to treatment for those with drug dependencies, improving treatment programs, and enhancing efforts to curtail the production and distribution of illicit drugs. In September, the RCMP launched the Marijuana Grow Initiative, which mobilizes resources to target the serious, destructive impacts that criminal marihuana production has on community well-being.

The National Anti-Drug Strategy's "DrugsNot4Me" mass media campaign is reaching youth through a variety of traditional and social media. Community initiatives being funded through the Drug Strategy Community Initiatives Fund are providing youth with the support they need to learn about the consequences of taking illicit drugs.

Our Government, through National Anti-Drug Strategy funding, is also supporting activities that are helping to renew and strengthen the quality, effectiveness, and accessibility of addiction services for First Nations and Inuit in other parts of Canada.

The Strategy also provides funding for Drug Treatment Courts and for projects that address drug addiction issues of youth who are in conflict with the law.

To ensure that adequate penalties are in place for serious drug crimes, our Government has introduced the Safe Streets and Communities Act, which includes amendments to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act to target organized crime by imposing tougher sentences for the production and possession of illicit drugs for the purposes of trafficking.

During this important week, we encourage all Canadians to work together to prevent illicit substance abuse and work towards its elimination to make Canada a healthier and safer place to live.

Robert Nicholson
Minister of Justice
Government of Canada

Leona Aglukkaq
Minister of Health
Government of Canada

Vic Toews
Minister of Public Safety
Government of Canada