MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –
Source: Government of Canada – in French 1
Statement
August 31, 2024 | Ottawa, Ontario | Health Canada
Today is International Overdose Awareness Day, a day to reflect on the devastating and tragic impact of the toxic drug and overdose crisis and to remember our loved ones whose lives have been tragically cut short by an overdose. These are our friends, our families, and our neighbors.
This year’s theme, “Together We Can,” highlights the power we have as a community to come together to prevent overdose deaths by raising awareness of the risks of substance use, reducing stigma, and ensuring people can access the health and social services they need.
No one should have to hide their substance use issues for fear of being judged or discriminated against. Addictions are not a choice or a personal flaw, but a disease that can be treated.
From Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside to Barrie to Glace Bay, we thank the dedicated organizations across the country working on the front lines to prevent overdose deaths and provide critical support to Canadians amid a toxic illegal drug supply that has claimed far too many lives. We thank the families and communities who have shared their stories and valuable advice on what additional supports are needed to end this public health crisis. We have listened and will continue to listen to you, our other partners, stakeholders, and people with lived and living experience, to reduce the harms of substance use and keep our communities safe.
Canada’s model for addressing the toxic drug and overdose crisis takes a holistic, evidence-based approach that includes measures that support both public health and public safety. Specifically, this means improving access to harm reduction measures to save lives now; investing in treatment and recovery for those who are ready; conducting prevention, awareness and stigma reduction activities; and working to dismantle criminal drug trafficking organizations.
Through the Substance Use and Addictions Program (SUAP), we invest in nonprofit organizations across the country that are deeply rooted in their communities and provide care and compassion to those who need help and support.
Additionally, through a new Emergency Treatment Fund (ETF), we are working to provide rapid support to municipalities and Indigenous communities facing acute increases in substance use risks and deaths related to the overdose crisis.
There is no single solution to this crisis and no single organization or level of government can do it alone. We will continue to work collaboratively with all partners to ensure that addiction services are integrated into the foundation of our health system, so that people have access to the full continuum of care they need.
Supporting people who use substances and struggle with addiction requires empathy, understanding, and a commitment to shining a light on the problem. We cannot and will not look away. Together, we must see these people who are struggling, meet them where they are, and show them the compassion and dignity they deserve.
We encourage all Canadians to go online to learn about the Signs a Loved One May Be Struggling with Substance Use and how best to help them seek help. Talking about addiction issues isn’t always easy, but having resources available can make a big difference for people who use substances and their loved ones.
The Honourable Ya’ara SaksMinister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health
Contact persons
Yuval DanielPress SecretaryOffice of the Honourable Ya’ara SaksMinister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health819-360-6927
Media RelationsHealth Canada613-957-2983media@hc-sc.gc.ca
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.
