Message from Ministers

June 26, 2016

Our Government is committed to keeping Canadians safe while protecting their rights. Threats to public security arise from many sources, including illicit drugs and the many crimes associated with them. Canada is committed to an evidence-based approach to drug policy grounded in public health, harm reduction, proportional criminal justice sanctions and human rights.

The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is a day on which countries and governments around the world reflect on the destructive effects drug abuse has on our communities. It is an opportunity to consider how to better help those harmed by substance abuse and prevent criminals from preying on the vulnerable, especially youth.

Drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking can affect us in many ways. Whether it is losing a loved one by overdose or being victimized by the violence associated with illicit drug trafficking, many have been affected either directly or indirectly by substance abuse. A new, modern, approach to drugs is needed to address the health and public safety risks associated with drug use and drug trade. This new approach must be comprehensive, collaborative, compassionate and based on scientific evidence.

Canada has recently introduced a five-point action plan on opioid misuse to address this growing crisis, with planned initiatives focussing on better informing Canadians about the risks of opioids, supporting better prescribing practices, reducing easy access to unnecessary opioids, supporting better treatment options, and improving the national evidence base. We have renewed the necessary exemption for Insite, a supervised consumption site, where people with addictions can access the care and support they need for another four years. We also support Drug Treatment Court programs across the country, and our Government has quickly moved to making naloxone antidote kits more available to save lives from opioid overdoses.

Our Government is committed to legalizing, strictly regulating and restricting access to marijuana for non-medical purposes. We will introduce legislation in spring 2017 to ensure we keep marijuana out of the hands of children and profits out of the hands of criminals.

Canada will continue to modernize its approach to drug policy and work with its partners across the globe and at home to maximize education and minimize harm.

The Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada
The Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
The Honourable Jane Philpott, Minister of Health