Canada Country Profile

Drug policy

The National Anti- Drug strategy was launched in 2007 and is led by the department of Justice Canada.
There is a government budget for treatment of drug use disorders but not alcohol.
Treatment services are primarily tax- based.
The Strategy promotes a balance between restricting the supply of drugs and reducing demand for drugs.

Pharmacotherapy for opioid treatment and alcohol withdrawal.
Community based needle exchange programmes
Supervised injection facilities
Outreach services for injecting drug user
Medical detoxification and residential rehabilitation is available for both alcohol and drug use disorders
The key support for both alcohol and drug disorders come from General Practitioners, (Psychiatric) Nurses and Social Workers.
Enhances treatment and support for First Nations and Inuit

The Prevention Action Plan:

Funds the development and implementation of community-based interventions and initiatives to prevent illicit drug use and abuse of prescription drugs, especially among youth;
Discourages illicit drug use and prescription drug abuse by providing information directly to youth as well as to their parents and other concerned adults through the Web.
Supports development of awareness materials and provision of awareness sessions to school-age youth, parents, professionals, and other community members.
Federal mass media campaign particularly targeting youths.
Government funding for development of evidence based research on prevention and treatment programmes.
School and community based programmes.