The illegal toxic drug supply and overdose crisis is having tragic impacts on communities throughout Canada. Our family, friends and neighbours have been impacted by this tragic public health crisis. Canada's approach is focused on providing access to a full continuum of health care services and leveraging tools at our disposal to save lives, connect people to care, and keep communities safe.
Today, Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay-Rainy River, Marcus Powlowski, and the Honourable Ya'ara Saks, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, announced over $838,000 in funding to the Elizabeth Fry Society of Northwestern Ontario (EFSNWO) through Health Canada's Substance Use and Addictions Program (SUAP).
The Substance Use and Addiction Support Services project will operate out of two transitional homes located in Thunder Bay. The project will deliver harm reduction and post-treatment supports to empower women and gender diverse individuals to overcome the challenges of substance use, incarceration, homelessness, and reintegration into society. Services offered will include access to an addictions counselor to help support substance use and recovery, as well as peer support workers who will offer emotional support and therapeutic crisis intervention. Services will be extended to communities throughout Northwestern Ontario, such as Kenora and Fort Frances.
The Government of Canada is committed to supporting community partners and organizations working to save lives. This project is funded through the Substance Use and Addictions Program (SUAP).
We will continue to work will all partners to get people the support they need.
