GNWT receives federal funding to tackle substance use in the territory

Today, Julie Green, Minister of Health and Social Services and the Honourable Marc Miller, federal Minister of Indigenous Services, announced an investment of $1 million over five years for measures to help address problematic substance use through the Northern Wellness Agreement.

Problematic substance use continues to be a serious public health issue in the Northwest Territories. To ensure progress in addressing this issue, coordinated efforts among governments, communities and stakeholders are needed. Integrating the views and priorities of Indigenous Governments and communities in decision making and providing public education on alcohol and other harmful drugs are keys to protect the health and safety of residents.

This funding will support the Government of Northwest Territories (GNWT) in engaging with Indigenous Governments and Organizations, Community Governments and Non-Government Organizations to identify community-specific priorities and views, share promising evidence-based practices, and develop collaborative initiatives and approaches to addressing problematic use of alcohol and other harmful drugs within communities.

This funding will also be used to support public engagement for the development of a comprehensive public awareness campaign on alcohol and other drugs. This work will be led by the Territorial Committee on Problematic Substance Use, represented by GNWT Departments, members of the public and the Northwest Territories Association of Communities.

Feedback from these engagements will help support the development of a territorial alcohol strategy.

Quotes

“There is no one-size-fits-all approach to addressing substance abuse. It is only by working with Indigenous Governments and Communities on a coordinated approach to take action on alcohol and substance misuse that we will be able to see progress on addressing this serious public health issue. This federal investment will support this coordinated approach to protecting the health and safety of our residents and communities. ”

- Julie Green, Minister of Health and Social Services

“Problematic substance use has devastating effects on individuals, families and communities. We recognize that the most successful strategies include elements of prevention, treatment and harm reduction, and are guided by the needs identified by the clients and communities they serve. We are pleased to support the Government of Northwest Territories, Indigenous leaders and organizations, communities, families and individuals across the region, in your efforts to provide help and hope to those affected.”

- The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Indigenous Services Canada

Quick facts

· Results from the 2018 NWT Addictions Survey showed:

o 33% of overall respondents reported being current smokers

o 74% of respondents had a drink in the past 12 months

o 47% of males and 39% of females report heavy drinking at least once per month (where heavy drinking entails consuming four or more drinks on one occasion for females and five or more drinks on one occasion for males).This is significantly higher than the 2018 national average of 19.1% (Statistics Canada)

o 41% of NWT residents report cannabis use in the past year

o Cocaine continues to be the illicit drug of choice for respondents (16% have ever used cocaine, 4% in the past 12 year)

o Hallucinogens (not including ecstasy, MDMA) are also popular (26% ever tried, 5.2% in past 12 months)

· Overall per person costs attributed to substance abuse in the NWT was $2,329. This was more than double the national average $1,081 (Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addictions).

· Five year funding is for fiscal years 2019-2020 to 2023-2024.

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GNWT receives federal funding to tackle substance use in the territory