GOVERNMENT OF CANADA ANNOUNCES FUNDING FOR INNOVATIVE NEW DRUG TREATMENT PROGRAM FOR YOUTH

OWEN SOUND, August 11, 2008 – On behalf of the Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., M.P. for Niagara Falls, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, Mr. Larry Miller, Member of Parliament for Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound, today announced over $250,000 in funding over 3 years for “Connecting Youth in the Justice System with Equine Assisted Illicit Drug Addiction Therapy – A Pilot Project”.  The new project, delivered by the Partners in Process Equine Learning Centre, will provide a unique drug treatment program to youth who have come into conflict with the law.

“As part of the National Anti-Drug Strategy, the Government is proud to support innovative projects like this one,” said Mr. Miller. “These projects are an important part of our commitment to fight the use of illicit drugs among young people, and to help youth make smart choices.”

Through a combination of interaction with horses, and more traditional sessions with trained counselors, the program helps youth learn about trust and taking responsibility for their own actions. Upon successful completion of the program, youth can choose to remain involved by mentoring new participants.

“I am honoured to be a part of this program,” said Melanie Gray, Program Director of Partners in Process Equine Learning Centre. “Equine assisted therapy gets to the root of the issue and allows youth to learn ways to function without the need of drugs.”

“Drugs are dangerous and destructive and undermine the safety of families and communities across this country,” said Minister Nicholson. “Our government is proud to work with the provinces, territories and support agencies to provide youth with the opportunities they need to steer clear of illicit drugs and drug-fuelled crime.”

The National Anti-Drug Strategy is a collaborative effort by Health Canada, Public Safety Canada and Justice Canada and includes three action plans: preventing illicit drug use; treating those with illicit drug dependencies; and combating the production and distribution of illicit drugs.

For more information on the Government of Canada’s National Anti-Drug Strategy please visit: www.nationalantidrugstrategy.gc.ca.

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Ref.:

Darren Eke
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Justice
613-992-4621

Media Relations
Department of Justice
613-957-4207