News Release

Government of Canada Works with Saskatchewan to
Help Prevent Drug Use Among the Province’s Youth

February 20, 2009
For immediate release

LA RONGE, SASKATCHEWAN – Rob Clarke, Member of Parliament for Desnethe-Missinippi-Churchill River, announced today on behalf of Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, that the Government of Canada is supporting the Drug Awareness and Prevention project that will strengthen drug prevention among youth in northern Saskatchewan.  The project is one of several initiatives being supported across Canada through the Drug Strategy Community Initiatives Fund. 

“As part of the National Anti-Drug Strategy, the Government of Canada is proud to support community-based projects such as this one that help youth stay away from drugs,” said Minister Aglukkaq. “This project will also help improve the community’s ability to keep youth on the right track.”

Through the Drug Awareness and Prevention project, the Pre-Cam Community School will develop and promote targeted education activities and other prevention initiatives that help curb drug use among young people.

"During my time in law enforcement in Saskatchewan, I saw first hand the consequences that drugs have in northern communities,” said Mr. Clarke. “I am very pleased to be involved in the support being provided to this school."

Initiatives such as this one 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.

The federal 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 such as youth. The Pre-Cam Community School will receive up to $106,750 in financial support for this important project.

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Media Enquiries:

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

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

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