News Release

Date: December 21, 2007

For immediate release

Government of Canada Announces Funding for Community Initiatives Working to Reduce Illicit Drug Use 

OTTAWA - The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health, today announced more than $7 million for communities across Canada to tackle the increasing challenge of drug use among our young people. Funding is available through the Drug Strategy Community Initiatives Fund for 2008/2009 initiatives, and the deadline for proposals is February 29, 2008.

This project funding supports Canada's new National Anti-Drug Strategy, which was announced by the Prime Minister of Canada in October 2007 and focuses on: preventing illicit drug use; treating those with illicit drug dependencies; and combating the production and distribution of illicit drugs.

"This Call for Proposals represents an important investment by the Government of Canada to steer our young people away from drugs, and help to ensure they do not get addicted in the first place," said Minister Clement. "We believe that community-based solutions are essential because local leaders find constructive ways to educate youth about drugs, and to break the cycle of drug dependency."

Projects will be announced in the spring of 2008. Successful proposals could, for example, focus on:

• Informing and educating the public about illicit drugs and the adverse health and social effects of use among youth;
• Facilitating the development of healthy attitudes, resiliency and coping skills among youth to avoid engaging in drug use;
• Promoting healthy behaviours and supportive environments that discourage drug use; and
• Improving access to proven approaches to reduce drug use among vulnerable groups.

The Drug Strategy Community Initiatives Fund provides financial support for health promotion and prevention projects at the national, provincial and local levels that address a wide range of illicit drug use issues, especially among vulnerable populations such as youth.

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Media Enquiries:

• Health Canada
  (613) 957-2983
  
  
• Laryssa Waler
  Office of the Honourable Tony Clement
  Federal Minister of Health
  (613) 957-0200

Public Enquiries:

(613) 957-2991
1-866 225-0709

This document is also available at: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca.