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Government of Canada Works at Home and Abroad to Address Drug-Impaired Driving

Candice Hoeppner, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety, delivered the opening address at the first annual International Symposium on Drugs and Driving. This symposium is hosted by the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse, the U.S. White House Office of National Drug Control Policy and the European Monitoring Centre on Drugs and Drug Addiction.

"We know that the prevalence of driving while under the influence of drugs, whether it is prescription medication or illicit drugs, has risen to be nearly at par with drinking and driving," said Ms. Hoeppner. "This is a troubling trend particularly among young drivers. The Government of Canada is working closely with all levels of government and agencies, as well as international partners, to ensure that our coordinated efforts to combat the illicit use of drugs from prevention, treatment and enforcement perspectives make Canada's communities safer and healthier."

Drug-impaired driving is a growing issue in Canada and abroad. In order for governments to implement effective countermeasures there is a need to foster an international exchange of ideas, and to enhance cooperation and information sharing as it relates to drug-impaired driving. This symposium provides an important forum for increased international dialogue and cooperation on drug-impaired driving.

In 2007, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced Canada's National Anti-Drug Strategy to reduce the supply of and demand for illicit drugs with an emphasis on dissuading young people from using drugs. Under the National Anti-Drug Strategy more than $316 million has been allocated nationally over 5 years with a focus on prevention, enforcement and access to treatment for those with drug dependencies, while at the same time getting tough on drug dealers and producers who threaten the safety of our youth and communities.

For more information on the National Anti-Drug Strategy visit www.nationalantidrugstrategy.gc.ca.

For more information, please visit the website www.publicsafety.gc.ca.