July 16, 2019
While drug-impaired driving has been illegal in Canada for more than 90 years, too many irresponsible individuals continue to put many lives at risk by driving impaired. The Government of Canada is investing in new technologies, additional resources, and training to detect and deter these impaired drivers.
Today, Member of Parliament Larry Bagnell, on behalf of the Minister of Border Security and Organized Crime Reduction, the Honourable Bill Blair, announced $2.3 million over five years for projects to support training activities for frontline police officers in Yukon. Projects include training in Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (SFST) and Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) evaluation, as well as dedicated trainers to deliver new and refresher training. Yukon will advance their drug-impaired driving initiatives in collaboration with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, First Nations, partners and other stakeholders to support safe and healthy communities.
Funding will also be used to develop standardized data collection and reporting practices that will be used to analyze trends, identify gaps and provide an accurate picture of drug-impaired driving in the territory, and across Canada. The funding is part of the $81 million announced by the Government of Canada for provinces and territories to support public and road safety activities.
Quotes
“I have seen the devastation of driving impaired. When individuals drive high, everyone loses. By investing in programs that educate and deter Canadians from driving while impaired, we are making our communities safer. These investments will ensure those who drive impaired will be caught. The evidence is clear: cannabis and other prescription drugs don’t make you a better driver. Be smart and never drive high.”
– The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of Border Security and Organized Crime Reduction
“Yukoners know first-hand the tragic effects of impaired driving. With support from the Government of Canada, frontline police officers in the Yukon will receive the training they need to help keep drunk and high drivers off our roads.”
– The Honourable Larry Bagnell, Member of Parliament for Yukon
“Despite strong efforts by our community and the RCMP, the Yukon continues to have one of the highest rates for impaired driving in Canada. It is vital that we keep our communities safe from drug and alcohol impaired drivers. We will use this funding to work with our partners at the RCMP, First Nations and municipalities to advance important initiatives designed to enhance law enforcement training, capacity building and data collection.”
– The Honourable Tracy-Anne McPhee, Minister of Justice
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Contacts
Marie-Emmanuelle Cadieux
Senior Communications Advisor
Office of the Minister of Border Security and Organized Crime Reduction
marie-emmanuelle.cadieux@canada.ca
Media Relations
Public Safety Canada
613-991-0657
ps.mediarelations-relationsaveclesmedias.sp@canada.ca
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