Question Period Note: Launch of the Renewed Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy

Canada is experiencing an unprecedented and unrelenting rate of opioid-related overdose deaths and harms, due to the increasingly toxic illegal drug supply, that was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
At the same time, we continue to see substantial harms and costs from other substances, including stimulants, tobacco, alcohol and combinations of substances (polysubstance use). It is estimated that in 2020, substance use cost Canadians more than $49 billion dollars and led to the loss of over 200 lives per day.
Recognizing the need for continued federal action to address this complex, changing crisis, the Honourable Ya’ara Saks, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, launched a renewed Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy (CDSS) on October 30, 2023. This strategy outlines the Government of Canada’s updated plan to address the overdose crisis and other substance use-related harms in Canada.

Every day in Canada, people who use drugs are dying, often alone. This is unacceptable.
The renewed Strategy takes a holistic approach to the toxic illegal drug and overdose crisis, , across the full continuum of care, from prevention and early intervention, to harm reduction, treatment and aftercare.
This is a comprehensive strategy that focuses on health, social wellbeing and public safety, recognizing that we need to do more to help people and keep our communities safe.
We can’t end this crisis alone. All levels of government and partners must come together to save lives.
IF PRESSED ON WHAT’S DIFFERENT ABOUT THE NEW CDSS…
While we have invested in programs and done important work to-date, we recognize that the drug landscape has changed.
The renewed CDSS moves away from siloed, separate areas of action, recognizing that we need a new suite of evidence-based and innovative integrated tools that meets the diverse needs of people and keeps our communities safe.
It demonstrates and clearly articulates our federal leadership role, and provides a platform to continue to work closely together with all of our partners to collectively address this public health crisis
IF PRESSED ON THE ACTIONS FUNDED UNDER THE RENEWED CDSS …
Budget 2023 provided $359.2 million over five years to support the renewed strategy.
This funding directly supports:
o Evidence based prevention and awareness programs such as a new program to prevent substance use among young people.
o Actions that we know save lives such as access to naloxone, treatment services and harm reduction services such as improvements drug checking technologies.
o Data, research and surveillance to inform our actions
o Substance control measures to stem the supply of toxic illegal drugs, such as strengthening our border against the import of illegal drugs.
IF PRESSED ON HOW THE EXPERT TASKFORCE ON SUBSTANCE USE RECOMMENDATIONS ARE REFLECTED IN THE RENEWED CDSS …
The renewed Strategy encompasses the spirit and principals of the Expert Task Force recommendations, such as a focus on equity, stigma reduction and including a full continuum of care and services.
It lays a foundation of actionable interventions to save lives now, while providing a platform that will lead to long-term, transformative changes.
It also recognizes that innovative action is required while continuing to build the evidence, so that we can learn and adjust our approach along the way.

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It is estimated that in 2020, substance use-related harms cost Canadians more than $49 billion and led to the loss of over 200 lives every day.
Canada has seen elevated numbers of opioid-related harms since 2016, which were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Toxicity of the illegal supply continues to be a major driver of the crisis with as many as 81% of accidental apparent opioid toxicity deaths so far in 2023 (January-March) involving fentanyl.
The Government’s approach to the overdose crisis and substance use related harms is guided by the CDSS, which was first announced in 2016.
The renewed CDSS was announced on October 30, 2023. Budget 2023 provided $359.2 million over 5 years, with $5.7 million ongoing, to support a renewed CDSS which will continue to guide the Government's work to save lives and protect the health and safety of Canadians.