News Release

Government of Canada Works with Ontario to Help
Prevent Illicit Drug Use Among Province’s Youth

May 22, 2009
For immediate release

COBOURG – The Government of Canada is supporting a project under the Drug Strategy Community Initiatives Fund that will help prevent Ontario youth from using illicit drugs. Rick Norlock, Member of Parliament for Northumberland-Quinte West, made the announcement today on behalf of Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health.

“The Government of Canada is taking concrete steps to help prevent young people from taking drugs,” said Minister Aglukkaq. “This project will provide communities in Ontario with the tools they need to educate youth about the negative consequences of illicit drugs.”

The Resiliency Project will help the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit and its partners develop, implement and promote activities aimed at preventing drug use among youth in the community. The project will focus on raising awareness and knowledge about the different factors that help keep young Ontarians away from illicit drugs.

“Raising awareness about substance abuse will help equip youth to make informed decisions about their futures,” said Mr. Norlock. “I look forward to seeing the benefits of The Resiliency Project in the months and years ahead.”

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 Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit will receive $284,308 in financial support for this important project.
 

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Media Enquiries:

• Josee Bellemare
  Office of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq
  Federal Minister of Health
  613.957.0200

• Health Canada
  (613) 957-2983

• Public Enquiries:

• (613) 957-2991
  1-866 225-0709

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