The toxic drug crisis continues to have devastating impacts on individuals, families, and communities across the country. While decreases in deaths and harms are encouraging, as highlighted in the latest national data on substance-related harms released earlier today, deaths remain higher than a decade ago and regional trends remain different across the country.
The progress we are seeing today reminds us that change is possible. But it also reminds us that there is more work to do. This crisis is complex. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to preventing or reducing its harms, and the drivers that surround it.
Our response must address all factors across health, social and public safety systems and must be a collective effort with all levels of government and Indigenous communities, health professionals, community organizations, and people with lived and living experience.
Today, the Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health, Dr. Joss Reimer, Chief Public Health Officer, the Honourable Mandy Gull-Masty, Minister of Indigenous Services, and Kevin Brosseau, Canada's Fentanyl Czar, highlighted the cross-federal government's actions over the past year to address this national public health crisis.
The illegal drug supply remains unpredictable, and communities need timely information to respond.
Initiatives like the National Wastewater Drug Surveillance dashboard, the Drug Analysis Service, and the Canadian Drug Analysis Centre, are improving our ability to identify and respond to new and emerging dangerous drugs being used in Canada. In addition, through Canada's Border Plan, the Government of Canada supports law and border enforcement in detecting and disrupting the illegal drug trade by increasing testing and identifying substances seized by law enforcement agencies.
People also need support at every stage of their recovery journeys and support that reflect their realities. Communities need services that fit their cultures, languages, and local challenges.
Having access to treatment, harm reduction and recovery supports are crucial aspects of the government's approach to this crisis. Over the last year, 180 organizations received 145 million dollars, through the Emergency Treatment Fund and the Substance Use and Addictions Program, to deliver urgent health services, social supports, and culturally grounded programs that save lives every day.
Prevention and education are also important parts of the government's overall strategy. The Youth Substance Use Prevention Program is supporting communities to develop a tailored approach to substance use prevention for youth. Also, through a combination of targeted public education activities, experiential outreach such as "Know More Opioids" and "Reduce Your Risk "of Substance Use marketing campaigns, the government continues to strengthen opioid awareness and overdose prevention efforts across Canada.
Addressing the toxic drug crisis means not only responding to harm, but also creating the conditions that help people heal, recover, and build healthier futures.
