What is in Budget 2021 for the Opioid Crisis?
Addressing the Opioid Crisis and Problematic Substance Abuse
Since the pandemic began, Canada has been facing a worsening opioid epidemic that has devastated lives and communities across Canada, especially in Ontario and Western Canada, with severe impacts in British Columbia and Alberta. The COVID-19 pandemic has compounded the ongoing opioid overdose crisis in Canada.
- Budget 2021 proposes to provide an additional $116 million over two years, starting in 2021-22, building on $66 million invested in the 2020 Fall Economic Statement for the Substance Use and Addictions Program to support a range of innovative approaches to harm reduction, treatment, and prevention at the community level.
Expanding Access to Drug Treatment Courts
The pandemic has worsened the crisis of problematic substance use in Canada. The government takes a public-health-centred approach to addiction. With Bill C-22, the government has proposed legislative amendments that require police and prosecutors to consider alternatives, such as diversion to addiction treatment programs, instead of laying charges or prosecuting people for simple drug possession. Drug treatment courts can break the cycle of drug addiction and criminal behaviour by helping non-violent offenders get the treatment they need. Since 2015, the federal government has provided over $25 million to support 13 drug treatment courts, which treat an average of 200 clients per day. To make our communities safer and help families struggling with addiction:
- Budget 2021 proposes to provide $40.4 million over five years, beginning in 2021-22, and $10 million ongoing, to support up to 25 additional drug treatment courts. This funding will provide eligible participants with access to a comprehensive program that includes substance use treatment and social services support.
To read the Budget 2021 speech or to review the budget documents, please visit https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/services/publications/federal-budget.html