Health Canada announces funding for community-based cannabis public education and awareness initiatives

TORONTO, June 24, 2019 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada has adopted a public health approach to the legalization and strict regulation of cannabis to better protect the health and safety of Canadians. Public education and awareness efforts are fundamental to reducing the risks and harms associated with cannabis use. The Government continues to work with a broad network of organizations across the country to ensure that Canadians have credible, balanced and evidence-based information on cannabis.

Today, The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Health, announced a total investment of $15.2 million in support of 13 organizations across Canada that are carrying out cannabis public education and awareness initiatives. This funding builds on previously announced investments of $9.8 million through Health Canada's Substance Use and Addictions Program (SUAP) to educate Canadians on cannabis and the health and safety risks associated with its use.

Organizations funded through SUAP will carry out national and community-based projects that raise awareness about the health effects of cannabis. Public education initiatives will be implemented across the country, targeting youth and young adults, pregnant and breastfeeding individuals, and other segments of the population requiring tailored information about cannabis. Funding will also support Indigenous peoples, front-line workers, including healthcare professionals, educators and law enforcement officers, by providing the tools, resources, skills and training needed to address cannabis use.

Health Canada is committed to fostering collaboration to increase the impact of cannabis public education initiatives. Partnerships such as these are essential to maximizing the reach of the Government's public education efforts and supporting Canadians in making informed choices about cannabis use.

Quotes

"I am pleased that the Government of Canada continues to support community-based and Indigenous organizations across the country that are helping to educate the public about cannabis. These newly funded cannabis public education and awareness-building projects will allow for the development of much-needed resources that will serve Canadians, including populations that are at greater risk."

The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor
Minister of Health

Quick Facts

• The Substance Use and Addictions Program (SUAP) is a federal grants and contributions program delivered by Health Canada.
• The following organizations will receive SUAP funding for cannabis public education initiatives:
• Boys and Girls Club of Canada
• Canadian Consortium for Early Intervention in Psychosis
• Canadian Nurses Association
• Canadian Paediatric Society
• Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
• Centre of Excellence for Women's Health
• First Nations Health and Social Secretariat of Manitoba
• Métis Nations of Ontario
• Ngwaagan Gamig Recovery Centre Inc.
• Ontario Lung Association
• Parachute
• Schizophrenia Society of Canada
• Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada
• The total planned investment in cannabis public education, awareness and surveillance is more than $100 million over six years.
• Through Budget 2018, the Government committed $62.5 million over five years to support community-based organizations and Indigenous organizations that are educating their communities on the risks associated with cannabis use.
• This funding builds on the investment announced in 2017 of $46 million over five years to support public education, awareness and surveillance activities. 
• In April 2019, Health Canada announced a new micro-grant funding program to support public education about the health effects of cannabis and/or the risks of vaping nicotine.

Associated Links

Substance Use and Addictions Program
Micro-funding for cannabis and vaping public education
Canada.ca/Cannabis
Backgrounder: Supporting Communities and Partners Across Canada in Leading Cannabis Public Education Initiatives
Backgrounder: Cannabis Public Education Activities

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