National Anti-Drug Strategy
for safer and healthier communities
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Message from Tony Clement, Minister of Health, on National Addictions Awareness Week, November 18 - 24
Substance abuse is a devastating health problem that has an immense
impact on individuals, families, communities and Canadian society.
Each year, in the third week of November, we observe National Addictions
Awareness Week (NAAW), which aims to provide information and materials
and promote activities that will raise awareness of addictions which
affect people across Canada. This year's theme is "It Takes
a Healthy Community to Raise a Child"
, which highlights the
importance of creating stable and addictions-free communities for our
children.
Three major areas of concern regarding addiction in Canada are tobacco use (with an overall estimated total cost to society of $17 billion), alcohol abuse ($14.6 billion), and illicit drugs ($8.2 billion). Through the federal Tobacco Control Strategy, Health Canada is working with partners to reduce the overall smoking rate in Canada from 19% in 2007 to 12% by 2011. The focus is on preventing tobacco uptake among youth and on helping current smokers to quit.
Alcohol abuse is another public health concern that we are addressing. Through the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Initiative, we are working to prevent future affected by alcohol and to improve outcomes for those affected by this life-long disability. The Health Portfolio is collaborating with major national organizations on the development of tool kits and training to assist health care providers in screening pregnant women for alcohol use in order to prevent FASD. Other projects include training to improve the implementation of the diagnostic guidelines for FASD, and developing a tool kit for screening children exposed to alcohol prenatally for referral and early diagnosis.
Support is also provided to First Nations people on reserve and Inuit communities to prevent FASD births and improve the quality of life for individuals affected by FASD.
On October 4, 2007, I joined the Prime Minister to announce a new National Anti-Drug Strategy,that addresses the third major substance abuse problem in Canada, illicit drugs. Canada's Government recognizes that drug use is shaped by social, economic and other factors, and the Strategy uses a combination of approaches to address the needs of individuals and the needs of communities. Through the National Anti-Drug Strategy, we will contribute to the health and safety of all Canadians by focusing our efforts on addressing illicit drug use, treating those with illicit drug dependencies, and combating the production and distribution of illicit drugs. We will work closely with the Department of Justice and Public Safety Canada and other key partners, including provincial, territorial and municipal governments, community groups and non-government organizations. Addressing the issues associated with illicit drugs requires coordinated efforts and we look forward to working with all of our partners in delivering this focused approach.
As well as being a time to effectively mobilize communities in working together to encourage an addictions-free lifestyle, this week also provides an opportunity to strengthen a partnership of First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and Non-Aboriginal professionals working in the area of addictions. Health Canada's National Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program plays a key role in First Nations communities throughout Canada. A hallmark of the program is that it is largely managed by First Nations communities and organizations who are working to reduce the high levels of alcohol, drug, and solvent abuse in their communities. The new National Anti-Drug Strategy will strengthen their capacity to deliver effective services. Health Canada's addictions programs are also closely linked with other investments in health promotions and disease prevention programming aimed at improving the overall health of First Nations and Inuit.
While much progress has been made, much work remains. I encourage you to take part in National Addictions Awareness Week by organizing or participating in awareness activities in your community. Together, we can work towards the elimination of substance abuse in Canada.
Tony Clement
Minister of Health
Government of Canada
For more information, please visit the following Web sites:
