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

News Release
2009-30
February 26, 2009
For immediate release

BRANDON – Merv Tweed, Member of Parliament for Brandon-Souris, Manitoba, announced today on behalf of Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, that the Government of Canada is supporting projects under the Drug Strategy Community Initiatives Fund that will strengthen drug prevention among youth in Manitoba.”The Government of Canada is proud to be working with provinces and communities across the country to help prevent illicit drug use among youth,” said Minister Aglukkaq. “This project will provide Manitoban communities with tools they need to educate young people about such issues.”

The Brandon Community Alcohol & Drug Education Coalition Drug Prevention Mobilization Plan project will help community partners in the Brandon-Souris region to develop, implement and promote educational and other activities aimed at preventing drug use among young people.

“It is truly inspiring to see how residents and businesses in Brandon-Souris are pulling together to address this issue,” said Mr. Tweed. “I look forward to seeing the benefits of these efforts 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 Brandon School Division #40 will receive up to $148,500 in financial support for this important project.

Please visit the National Anti-Drug Strategy website for more information.

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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