Feds promise more money to fight prescription drugs

Health Canada has announced funding of $700,000 for northern Ontario to help the fight against prescription drug abuse.
The money was pledged during a meeting in Thunder Bay on Jan. 12, where 11 First Nations that have community-based prescription drug abuse projects joined Health Canada reps to compare strategies.
It is expected that the money will be given out by March 31. Health Canada spokesperson Stephane Shank said the government is currently developing a plan for more funding in the next fiscal year.
“Given that responding to the issue of prescription drug abuse is a priority for the region, we have identified one-time funding totaling $700,000 to help support community-based initiatives,” Shank wrote in an email.
Prior to the meeting in Thunder Bay, Health Canada representatives visited Kasabonika Lake, where community-based treatment programs are ongoing.
A week after the pledge, Cat Lake First Nation declared a state of emergency over prescription drug abuse in the community.
Cat Lake is calling on both the federal and provincial governments to take action on the issue, including providing more funding for community suboxone programs, in-community councilling and support for a land-based treatment program.