Community, Indigenous drug-related services groups in Western Canada to get $20M from Ottawa

Money to be shared between 42 local drug-related programs across B.C., Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan

Dozens of community and Indigenous groups across British Columbia and the Prairies will share $20 million in federal funding to boost the mental health and drug awareness, treatment and rehabilitation services they offer.

The money is to be shared between 42 local drug-related programs across B.C., Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan, Canada’s Mental Health and Addictions Minister Carolyn Bennett announced on Thursday.

The minister was in Squamish, B.C., where she visited two addiction treatment centres, including one for youth.

“The announcement and the kinds of investments we are making is really to be able to do that investing directly in the community and then being able to prove the concept of what’s working and what’s not working,” Bennett told a news conference.

• Death toll for toxic drugs in B.C. surpasses 1,000 in first 5 months of the year
• B.C. announces universal coverage for medication to treat opioid addiction

The money will flow through Ottawa’s Substance Use and Addictions Program, with Alberta to receive more than $3.9 million, B.C. $11.2 million, Manitoba over $3.2 million and Saskatchewan about $1.9 million.

Bennett said local organizations that have the trust and understanding of residents are often best suited to offer addiction and mental health services.

Addiction is a nationwide issue, with many families experiencing death, trauma and pain associated with substance-use disorders, Bennett said.

• New device to prevent overdose deaths in supportive housing launches in B.C.

She said more than 2,300 people in B.C. died of poisoned drugs last year, according to the B.C. Coroners Services and the crisis extends across the country.

“In the most recent national data there were 20 opioid toxicity deaths every single day in 2022 in Canada,” the minister said.

In B.C., advocacy group Moms Stop the Harm will receive federal dollars to run in-person and online support workshops for people whose family members are struggling with substance-use issues and those who have lost loved ones to poisoned drugs.