Today is International Overdose Awareness Day, a day to reflect on the devastating and tragic impact of the toxic drug and overdose crisis and remember our loved ones whose lives have been tragically cut short by overdose. These are our friends, our families, and our neighbours.
This year's theme, "together we can," highlights the power we have as a community to come together to prevent overdose deaths by raising awareness around substance use related-harms, reducing stigma, and ensuring people can access the health and social services they need.
No one should have to hide their struggles with substance use for fear of judgment or discrimination. Addiction is not a choice or a personal flaw, but a treatable medical condition.
From the Downtown Eastside in Vancouver to Barrie to Glace Bay, we thank the dedicated organizations across this country who are working on the frontlines to prevent overdose deaths and provide critical support to Canadians amidst a toxic illegal drug supply that has cost far too many lives. We thank the families and communities who have shared their stories and invaluable insight about what more support is needed to end this public health crisis. We have and will continue to listen to you and our other partners, stakeholders, and people with lived and living experience to reduce substance use harms and keep our communities safe.
Canada's model for addressing the toxic drug and overdose crisis takes a holistic and evidence-informed approach, with actions supporting both public health and public safety. Concrete actions include increasing access to harm reduction measures to save lives now; investing in treatment and recovery for those who are ready; prevention, awareness and stigma-reduction activities, as well as working to dismantle criminal drug trafficking organizations.
Through the Substance Use and Addictions Program (SUAP), we are investing in not-for-profit organizations across the country who have deep roots in their communities and provide care and compassion to those who need help and support. Further, through a new Emergency Treatment Fund (ETF), we are working to provide rapid support for municipalities and Indigenous communities who are facing an acute increase in substance use harms and deaths related to the overdose crisis.
There is no single solution to addressing this crisis and no organization or order of government can do it alone. We will continue to work collaboratively with all partners to ensure substance use services are built into the foundations of our healthcare system, so people have access to the full continuum of care they need.
Supporting individuals who use substances and struggle with addiction requires empathy, understanding and a commitment to bringing the issue into the light. We cannot and will not look away. Together, we need to see those individuals who are struggling, meet them where they are, and show them the compassion and dignity they deserve.
We encourage all Canadians to go online to learn about the signs that a loved one may be struggling with substance use and find out how best to support them in seeking help. It is not always easy to talk about struggles with addiction, but having resources available can make a world of difference for people who use substances and their loved ones.
The Honourable Ya'ara Saks
Minister of Mental Health and Addiction and Associate Minister of Health
