$2.5m offered for treatments for people who use substances 

eAwazMedicine

Winnipeg – Canada’s overdose crisis continues to have a tragic toll on individuals, families and communities across the country. The pandemic has contributed to increases in substance use and substance related harms in Canada. Isolation, stress, toxic street-drug supply, and reduced access to services have all contributed to the worsening of the crisis with data showing that 7,560 people died of an opioid overdose across Canada in 2021. The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring all Canadians have access to the life-saving substance use services and supports they need.  Last year, the Government of Canada, through Budget 2021, committed $116 million for the Substance Use and Addictions Program to support a range of innovative approaches to prevention, harm reduction, and treatment.

This funding is providing support to those disproportionately affected by substance use issues or who face barriers accessing services, including youth, young and middle-aged men, Indigenous Peoples, people experiencing chronic pain, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, and people at increased risk of substance-related overdoses.

Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, and Member of Parliament for Saint Boniface—Saint Vital, announced  $2,509,356 to 8 projects across Manitoba including $323,670 to St. Boniface Street Links. With the support of this funding, St. Boniface Street Links will be able to implement their Outreach and Supportive Interventions for Substance Use (OASIS) programming, which will provide wraparound supports and individualized care planning to individuals who are at a heightened risk of substance-related overdoses and who face multiple barriers to accessing care in the Winnipeg area. Participants will include people with underlying or co-occurring mental health disorders such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, post traumatic stress disorder, and personality disorders.

The Government of Canada continues 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.

The Government of Canada is committed to a comprehensive public health approach to the overdose crisis, which includes understanding that substance use and substance-related harms are often interrelated with other factors, including physical and mental health.

“The overdose crisis continues to impact families and communities across the country, including here in Manitoba, and was  exacerbated by the challenges of the pandemic. By supporting initiatives like St. Boniface Street Links we can help Canadians receive the health services and support they need to improve their health and overall quality of life.” – Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency