News Release

Date: May 29, 2008

For immediate release

Canada’s Health Minister Announces $2 Million to Improve Addictions Services for Aboriginal people in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside

OTTAWA - Today, the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health, announced $2 million to improve addictions services in Vancouver’s downtown eastside that will help First Nations and Inuit recover from addictions to alcohol and illicit drugs.

The federal funding will be provided over five years and will be used in partnership with provincial and local agencies.  Today’s announcement is in addition to the $10 million announced by Minister Clement on May 14, 2008 for Vancouver’s downtown eastside neighbourhood, to improve mental health and addictions services and make new treatment beds available for vulnerable female drug addicts.

 “I am very pleased to announce this funding, which is an important federal investment in the delivery of critical treatment services for one of downtown eastside’s most vulnerable populations. First Nations and Inuit people make up approximately 3% of the Canadian population yet they make up over 25% of the people living in Vancouver’s downtown eastside,” said Minister Clement. “By providing this funding we are ensuring that treatment services are available to those with drug addictions. Treatment, along with prevention and tackling drug crimes, is the focus of our Government’s new Anti-Drug Strategy.”

Health Canada is working with key partners to improve planning and coordination of current and new resources.  These partners include the regional and local Aboriginal organizations, the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority, and the provincial government.

"This investment will ensure that Aboriginal people in the downtown eastside have access to effective, high-quality addiction services that are specific to their unique needs and culture," said Minister for Indian and Northern Affairs, Chuck Strahl.

The Government of Canada, through Health Canada, is investing $30.5 million over five years, and $9.1 million ongoing, to improve drug addiction services for First Nations and Inuit as part of the National Anti-Drug Strategy. The National Anti-Drug Strategy is the Government’s focused approach to tackling illicit drug issues in Canada – one that is both tough on crime and compassionate in helping those with drug addictions.

As announced by Prime Minister Harper on October 4, 2007, the National Anti-Drug Strategy is a collaborative effort involving Health Canada, Public Safety Canada and the Department of Justice and includes three action plans: preventing illicit drug use; treating those with illicit drug dependencies; and combating the production and distribution of illicit drugs.

- 30 -

Media Enquiries:

• Paul Spendlove
  Media Relations Officer
  Health Canada
  (613) 957-2988
  
  
• Laryssa Waler
  Office of the Honourable Tony Clement
  Minister of Health
  (613) 957-0200