News Release

Government of Canada Works With Alberta to Help Young People Steer Clear of Illicit Drugs

February 6, 2009
For immediate release

OTTAWA – The Government of Canada today announced its support for the Youth Resiliency Project, supported by the Drug Strategy Community Initiatives Fund, which will help communities prevent drug use by youth in rural Alberta. The announcement was made by Leon Benoit, Member of Parliament for Vegreville-Wainwright, on behalf of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health.

“This Government is pleased to be working with Alberta to help prevent drug use among young people in the province,” said Minister Aglukkaq. “These community-based projects will provide youth with the life skills they need to make informed decisions about drugs.”

Initiatives such as this project are another step in implementing the Government of Canada’s National Anti-Drug Strategy, which was announced by Prime Minister Stephen Harper in October 2007.  Funding for this project supports this strategy, which focuses on prevention, treatment and enforcement.

“Our government is taking concrete steps to help young people steer clear of illicit drugs,” said MP Leon Benoit. “This investment will help Albertan youth make wise decisions and keep them on the right track.”

The Drug Strategy Community Initiatives Fund provides financial support for health promotion and prevention projects at the national, provincial and local levels. It addresses a wide range of illicit drug use issues, especially among vulnerable populations, including youth. The Youth Resiliency Project, which serves 13 rural Albertan communities in the Vermilion River Region, will receive up to $327,700 over the next three years.

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Media Enquiries:

• Health Canada
  (613) 957-2983
  
  
• Josée Bellemare
  Office of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq
  Federal Minister of Health
  (613) 957-0200

Public Enquiries:

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

Health Canada news releases are available on the Internet at www.healthcanada.gc.ca/media