SNUD Committee Report

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE TO THE REPORT OF THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON NON-MEDICAL USE OF DRUGS

Ms. Paddy Torsney, M.P.

Room 213, Confederation Building

House of Commons

Ottawa, Ontario  K1A 0A6

Dear Colleague:

This is in response to the report of the Special Committee on Non-Medical Use of Drugs.

You and your fellow Committee members undertook an extraordinarily challenging task in reviewing the issues surrounding the non-medical use of drugs in Canada.  The lives of far too many Canadians are devastated by the harmful use of drugs.  Your Committee is to be commended for recognizing the importance of listening to the needs and concerns of these Canadians, as well as the views expressed by people who are devoting considerable time and effort to dealing with this highly complex problem.

We note the comprehensive recommendations made in the areas of Canada’s Drug Strategy, research and knowledge, public health, public safety, and cannabis reform. In the 2002 Speech from the Throne, the Government committed to implementing a national drug strategy, and to act on the results of parliamentary consultations with Canadians on options for change in our drug laws. The Government of Canada remains committed to this objective and the Committee’s conclusions are proving to be most helpful in renewing the drug strategy for government approval, and advancing work that has already begun in areas such as harm reduction, drug treatment courts, border control, and prevention programs.

As you note in your report, dealing with the harmful use of drugs involves a range of federal departments and agencies as well as provincial and territorial governments, municipalities, non-governmental organizations, the medical profession, and others. Consultation with the numerous stakeholders, on the future of Canada’s Drug Strategy, has commenced and will continue as we move forward.  We also agree with the importance of up-to-date research and knowledge development activities to support evidence-based decision making, and recognize that the Government of Canada has a leadership responsibility in addressing the non-medical use of drugs.

On behalf of my colleagues who share responsibility with me at the federal level for dealing with the non-medical use of drugs, I would like to thank you and the other members of the Special Committee for your comprehensive and insightful report.  There is no question that it reflects a desire to ensure that the Government of Canada takes all possible action to minimize the impact of drugs on individuals, families, and communities.

Yours sincerely,

A. Anne McLellan