Thunder Bay – No community has been left untouched by the toxic drug and overdose crisis. Its tragic impacts are seen and felt among our families, friends, and neighbours. Municipalities and Indigenous communities are on the front lines of this public health crisis, each and every day.
Ya’ara Saks, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health and Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services of Canada, announced over $11.4 million in funding from the Emergency Treatment Fund (ETF) to support 14 projects across Canada. Minister Saks also announced $73.3 million in funding for 51 projects under the Substance Use and Addictions Program (SUAP).
The ETF is part of our efforts to help communities rapidly respond to emerging, critical needs related to the overdose crisis faced by municipalities and First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities. ETF will provide support for a wide range of urgent interventions to bolster local capacity to support the most affected populations.
The SUAP supports a broad range of community organizations working to connect people to care and save lives. These organizations are using their expertise and experience to help meet the unique needs of the people in their communities by providing culturally appropriate, trauma-informed, and evidence-based programs and services.
The funding announced today will help communities provide immediate support where it is needed most. There is no simple approach to solving the overdose crisis, and no community can do it alone. We are committed to working with all levels of government, stakeholders, partners, and people with lived and living experience, to protect the health and safety of our communities.
“Communities across the country have asked for our help. With the Emergency Treatment Fund, we are stepping up to ensure they have the supports they need. This funding will help to deliver critical assistance to communities, especially underserved communities, and tackle immediate pressures and urgent needs locally. Through strong collaboration with organizations, municipalities, and Indigenous communities, we can make help available when, where, and how it is needed most. We need to try everything we can to connect people to care and keep our communities safe.”- Ya’ara Saks, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health
“Indigenous Peoples continue to bear a disproportionate burden from the drug crisis. The Emergency Treatment Fund is part of our government’s commitment to support Indigenous-led solutions that honor cultural wisdom and healing practices. By investing in community-designed approaches, we’re not only responding to immediate needs but addressing the historical legacies and systemic inequities at the root of this crisis. This funding empowers First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities to lead their own healing journeys, creating pathways to wellness that reflect their values, traditions, and strengths.” – Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services of Canada