Government of Canada announces funding for cannabis public education initiative in Saint John, New Brunswick

SAINT JOHN, NB, Oct. 10, 2018 /CNW/ - On October 17, 2018, the Cannabis Act will come into force, marking a significant milestone in the Government of Canada's commitment to legalizing and strictly regulating cannabis to keep it out of the hands of children and keep profits away from criminals and organized crime. Public education is an important element of the Government's public health approach to legalizing and regulating cannabis. In collaboration with provinces and territories, the Government is continuing its work to help ensure that Canadians have access to the facts and information they need to make informed decisions about cannabis.

Today, on behalf of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Health, Member of Parliament Wayne Long announced an investment of $1.14 million over three years to the John Howard Society of New Brunswick under Health Canada's Substance Use and Addictions Program. This funding will support the John Howard Society of New Brunswick in raising awareness of the health effects of cannabis and the dangers of drug-impaired driving.  

Through its Atlantic Youth Challenge to Prevent Drugged Driving program, the John Howard Society will provide grade 10 students across Atlantic Canada with evidence-based information aimed at dispelling myths regarding drug-impaired driving. 

Partnerships like these with community-based organizations and educators allow the Government of Canada to reach specific audiences with information on the health and safety risks of cannabis use. This collaborative approach helps build common knowledge about cannabis and its effects on health and safety.

Quotes

"In preparation for the implementation of the Cannabis Act, our Government is expanding its public education efforts through collaborative partnerships such as the one with the John Howard Society. These partnerships help to ensure that Canadians have clear, consistent and evidence-based information on the health and safety facts about cannabis, including drug-impaired driving."
The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor
Minister of Health

"This funding represents a great example of the Government of Canada's commitment to delivering cannabis public education initiatives that have a clear focus on youth. I would like to thank the John Howard Society for its collaboration and dedication to help young Canadians make informed decisions about cannabis use."
Wayne Long
Member of Parliament

"The John Howard Society of New Brunswick, with our partners Eastern Hub of The Students Commission of Canada Youth Matters, St. Thomas University, Center for Research on Youth At-Risk, John Howard Atlantic Research and Innovation Center and provincial John Howard Society Branches of Nova Scotia, PEI and Newfoundland and Labrador would like to thank Health Canada in making possible an Atlantic wide high school youth led initiative against drugged driving."
Bill Bastarache
Executive Director, John Howard Society of New Brunswick

Quick Facts

• The Government of Canada announced an investment of $62.5 million over five years to support the involvement of community-based organizations, and Indigenous organizations and governments that are educating their communities on the risks associated with cannabis use.
• This funding builds on the $46 million over five years previously announced by the Government to support federal public education, awareness and surveillance activities.
• Health Canada's Substance Use and Addictions Program provides funding for evidence-informed and innovative awareness, prevention, harm reduction and treatment initiatives addressing a range of substances including cannabis. Project proposals are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Associated Links
Backgrounder: Supporting Communities and Partners Across Canada in Leading Cannabis Public Education Initiatives
Government of Canada to invest in cannabis education and awareness
Canada.ca/cannabis: health and safety facts on cannabis use

SOURCE Health Canada

Thierry Bélair, Office of Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Health, 613-957-0200; Media Relations, Health Canada, 613-957-2983, [email protected]