Government of Canada Invests in Addiction Support Programs for Youth in Prince Edward Island

SUMMERSIDE, August 12, 2008 - The Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., M.P. for Niagara Falls, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, and the Honourable Gerard Greenan, Attorney General of Prince Edward Island, today announced over $300,000 in funding over 3 years to improve addiction support programs and services for youth in conflict with the law.

"This Government is simply not going to throw in the towel when the health and safety of our communities - and the lives of our young people - are at risk," said Minister Nicholson. "We remain committed to the goals of making our communities safer, protecting our youth from a life of drugs and crime, and showing compassion for those who fall victim to illicit drugs."

The Government of Canada will provide funding to the Community and Correctional Services division of the Office of the Attorney General. The division will participate in the development and implementation of the Prince Edward Island Youth Substance Use and Addiction Strategy.

Through active participation on the provincial strategy, the Office of the Attorney General will gain in-house expertise and develop referral and assessment procedures, as well as post-treatment relapse prevention programs, for youth in conflict with the law who are battling an addiction to illicit drugs.

"I am proud to be part of a government that is working to reduce the damaging effects of illicit drugs on our youth and on our communities," said Minister Nicholson. "Our collaboration with the provinces, territories and support agencies help provide youth the support they need to make smart choices and steer clear of illicit drugs and drug-related crime."

"We cannot build safer communities without addressing the needs of young people with addiction issues," said Attorney General Greenan. "This initiative is part of a broader provincial strategy to treat youth with substance abuse problems. By treating addiction, we believe we can reduce reoffending and stop the progress of youth offenders into the adult justice system. We appreciate the federal government's continued support as we work together to reduce youth addiction and crime."

The funding will be provided through the Department of Justice in support of the National Anti-Drug Strategy. The National Anti-Drug Strategy is a collaborative effort involving Health

Canada, Public Safety Canada and the Department of Justice and includes three action plans: preventing illicit drug use; treating those with illicit drug dependencies; and combating the production and distribution of illicit drugs.

For more information on the Government of Canada's National Anti-Drug Strategy please visit: www.nationalantidrugstrategy.gc.ca

Ref.:

Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Justice
613-992-4621

Media Relations
Department of Justice
613-957-4207