News Release

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

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PRIME MINISTER PLEDGES CRACKDOWN ON DRUG CRIMINALS, COMPASSION FOR THEIR VICTIMS

NEW NATIONAL ANTI-DRUG STRATEGY A TWO-TRACK APPROACH FOR RESULTS

October 4, 2007
WINNIPEG, MANITOBA

Prime Minister Stephen Harper, joined by Minister of Health, Tony Clement and Minister of Public Safety, Stockwell Day, today unveiled Canada's new National Anti-Drug Strategy. The National Anti-Drug Strategy will provide $63.8 million over two years to prevent illegal drug use in young people, treat people who have drug addictions and fight illegal drug crime.

"Our two-track approach will be tough on drug crime and compassionate for victims," said the Prime Minister. "We're simply not going to throw in the towel when the health and safety of our communities is at risk."

The new strategy, which builds on and refocuses current programs, includes a focused public awareness campaign aimed at educating youth on the negative effects of illicit drug use. Studies have shown that a growing number of Canadian youth are becoming involved with drugs at younger and younger ages. Combating their exposure to highly addictive drugs is increasingly a challenge for many communities.

"Tackling the problem of drug use is going to take all of us," said the Prime Minister. "Breaking Canada's drug habit will require a huge effort. But as of today our country is on the road to recovery."

The National Anti-Drug Strategy is a collaborative effort involving the Department of Justice, Public Safety Canada and Health Canada and includes three action plans: preventing illicit drug use; treating those with illicit drug dependencies; and combating the production and distribution of illicit drugs.

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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