Government of Canada announces funding for cannabis public education in the Northwest Territories

YELLOWKNIFE, Jan. 18, 2019 /CNW/ - On October 17, 2018, the Cannabis Act came 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 to keep profits away from criminals and organized crime. Public education about cannabis is fundamental to achieving the Government's objective of protecting public health and safety. The Government of Canada is working in collaboration with provinces, territories, Indigenous and community-based organizations as well as other partners to disseminate clear, consistent and evidence-based information on the health and safety facts about cannabis.

Today, on behalf of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Health, Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament, and Glen Abernethy, Minister of Health and Social Services for the Northwest Territories, announced an investment of more than $1.8 million over three years under Health Canada's Substance Use and Addictions Program (SUAP).

This funding will support the Government of the Northwest Territories in developing and delivering a comprehensive and interactive cannabis public education campaign. Through the use of traditional media and social media platforms, augmented reality, community-led engagement sessions and other innovative public education tools, the campaign will bring health and safety information to communities across the territory to help individuals make informed decisions about cannabis use. The campaign will also include the development of culturally appropriate resources for Indigenous communities.

Partnerships are essential to the Government's public education efforts. By working collaboratively with provincial and territorial governments and a range of partners, the Government of Canada is able to maximize the reach of its public education efforts and to ensure that Canadians have access to the information needed to make informed choices about cannabis use.

Quotes

"The Government of Canada is expanding its cannabis public education efforts by investing in community-based projects. This campaign will provide Northerners with factual information to help them make informed decisions about cannabis use."
The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor
Minister of Health

"I am pleased that the Government of Canada is supporting the Government of the Northwest Territories in its cannabis public education efforts. Collaborative partnerships such as this one are helping to provide Canadians with clear, consistent and evidence-based information on the health and safety facts about cannabis."
Michael McLeod
Member of Parliament

"This federal investment will support activities in communities throughout Northwest Territories that will help residents, particularly young people, have access to culturally safe information that will help them make healthy and responsible choices on cannabis use."
Glen Abernethy
Minister of Health and Social Services for the Northwest Territories

Quick Facts

• The Government of Canada announced in Budget 2018 an investment of $62.5 million over five years to support community-based organizations as well as Indigenous organizations and governments that are educating their communities on the risks associated with cannabis use.
• 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 can be submitted on an ongoing basis.
• The Government of the Northwest Territories will use this funding to lead community engagement activities, launch a media campaign using both social media and traditional media, and develop public education and awareness materials for different segments of the population.

Associated Links

• Substance Use and Addictions Program
• Government of Canada to invest in cannabis education and awareness
• Canada.ca/Cannabis: health and safety facts on cannabis use

SOURCE Health Canada

For further information: Contacts, Thierry Bélair, Office of Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Health, 613-957-0200; Media Relations, Health Canada, 613-957-2983, [e-mail]; Public Inquiries: 613-957-2991, 1-866-225-0709