The federal government says the overdose crisis is an ongoing national public health crisis that's having a tragic impact on people who use substances, their families, and communities across Canada..On Wednesday, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health Carolyn Bennett announced nearly $40 million in federal funding for 73 projects across Canada through Health Canada’s Substance Use and Addictions Program (SUAP)..The Liberals also presented the latest data on substance use related harms which show that 7,560 people died due to opioid overdose-related deaths across Canada in 2021..“Drug overdose in Canada has spiked during the COVID-19 pandemic and with the increasingly toxic drug supply. Recent data shows historic opioid overdose-related deaths across Canada in 2021," Bennett said.."Too many lives have been lost to this crisis, leaving too many families and friends to grieve. Our government is taking further action by investing in projects that will support people dealing with problematic substance use across the country. I thank all the organizations receiving funding for their dedication in decreasing substance use harms, preventing overdose, increasing safer supply initiatives, and reducing stigma.”.According to the federal government, the funding will also provide support to those disproportionately affected by problematic substance use or who face barriers accessing services, including women, youth, young and middle-aged men, indigenous peoples, people experiencing chronic pain, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, and people at increased risk of substance-related poisoning and overdose..Since 2017, the government dedicated more than $800 million of taxpayers money to address the overdose crisis. Budget 2022 proposes to provide $100 million over three years to support harm reduction, treatment, and prevention at the community level. This builds on the $116 million provided in Budget 2021 and $66 million in the 2020 Fall Economic Statement for the Substance Use and Addictions Program..The projects announced on Wednesday are funded through Health Canada’s Substance Use and Addictions Program. Through SUAP, the Government of Canada provides grants and contributions funding to other levels of government, as well as community-led and not-for-profit organizations, to respond to current drug and substance use issues in Canada..The Liberals said they recognize that more needs to be done to support people who use substances.."We are committed to building on our efforts to respond to this crisis and will continue to work with all levels of government, partners, indigenous communities, stakeholders, people with lived and living experience of addiction, and organizations in communities across the country to work towards an end to this national public health crisis."
