| The Council of the Federation recognizes the need for action to combat drug addiction – particularly addiction to crystal meth. While crystal meth use varies across the country, action is required to reduce its use and to ensure that Canadians are made aware of its devastating impact on individuals, families and communities. Premiers agree that effective responses to the serious problems associated with the use of crystal meth and other addictions require integrated and collaborative approaches.
With the leadership from the Council of the Federation, progress has been made on a number of fronts:
- Launched in November 2006 during Addictions Awareness Week, the Council’s national awareness campaign on crystal meth and other addictive drugs provides Canadians with information and resources to prevent and combat addiction. The campaign aims to improve communication between youth and their parents to help reduce and mitigate the harm from crystal meth and other addictive drugs.
- The Council of the Federation’s “Moving Forward” conference, held in Saskatoon in January 2006, provided an important opportunity for over 350 participants from across Canada to increase their knowledge of current, evidence-based practices for the prevention and treatment of substance abuse.
- Substantive progress has also been made in the areas of increased and more effective treatment options, and new controls and heightened enforcement on the sale of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine – key ingredients in crystal meth.
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