Canada broadens its approach to drug policy, aiming to reduce overdoses and enhance support services.

The Canadian federal government is extending its efforts in the realm of drug and substance use policy, with the goal of preserving more lives and delivering additional services to those who are disproportionately impacted by the nation’s overdose crisis.

Health Canada highlights that the drug environment has evolved, becoming more perilous since the inception of the original strategy in 2016. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light deficiencies in the government’s approach, underscoring the necessity for a more comprehensive, integrated response.

The key objectives of the strategy encompass allocating resources to bolster community-based initiatives for prevention, treatment, and assistance. This also entails backing for law enforcement, encompassing initiatives to educate personnel on reducing stigmatization of substance users and the implementation of an overdose monitoring tool.

Additionally, the government has unveiled a commitment to allocate $21 million from the federal budget for the funding of 54 harm reduction projects nationwide.