Prescription Drug Drop-off Day - the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq Minister of Health

Thursday, May 9, 2013
Ottawa, Ontario

Check Against Delivery

Good afternoon,

It's a pleasure to join John Weston, Member of Parliament for West Vancouver- Sunshine Coast - Sea to Sky Country, and the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police to help deliver an important message that will further protect the health and safety of Canadians.

As you know, prescription drugs play a vital role in the health and well-being of Canadians. As we go through life, most of us will rely on them at one time or another. However, we must remember that prescription drugs are designed to help - not to harm.

Unfortunately, some drugs are misused for recreational purposes. Many times the source of these drugs is the family medicine cabinet.
 
National Prescription Drug Drop-Off Day reminds us to collect expired or unused drugs and drop them off at our local police station or pharmacy where they can be properly disposed of.

This will help keep unused and expired prescription drugs out of the hands of people who might misuse them. As well, it is an opportunity to remind Canadians how they can safely dispose of unused prescription drugs to protect themselves and their loved ones from the health risks associated with misusing, inappropriately using or improperly disposing of these medications.

This is important because prescription drug abuse is a growing problem that's having serious consequences on the health and safety of our families and communities.

Prescription drug abuse is a complex issue that requires involvement from a number of stakeholders and sectors.  It's encouraging to see public health and safety sectors working together to prevent abuse and diversion with this event.  Along with my provincial and territorial colleagues, I'm committed to working together to address this important challenge.

As Minister of Health, I've heard heart-breaking stories of abuse and addiction.

Our government has listened and we are taking action.

We recently announced tough new conditions for those who manufacture and distribute products that have been particularly susceptible to abuse. In addition, police must now be notified of any unexplained losses or thefts of these drugs.

Health Canada also takes client safety very seriously, which is why we've implemented a number of changes to our pharmacy program for First Nations and Inuit clients.

These measures will help prevent abuse and detect it much faster when it does occur. It will also alert pharmacists to problems and place quantity and dose limits on certain drugs.

Health Canada is also supporting the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse which recently released its national prescription drug abuse strategy.

This report is the product of many voices and contains a number of important recommendations. I was pleased to be part of the launch of the CCSA report. And I'm pleased to be here today to support this initiative which responds to a key recommendation in the CCSA report.

While we tackle the overarching issues, I encourage all Canadians to do their part by dropping off any unused or expired medications at their local police station or pharmacy.

In closing, I want to thank Public Safety Canada and the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police for spearheading this initiative and for their dedication and commitment to making our communities safer.

Thank you.