For a joint announcement related the National
Anti-Drug Strategy

Remarks by the
Honourable Stockwell Day
Minister of Public Safety

Ottawa, Ontario
April 28, 2008
As Delivered

Thank you, Rob [Rob Nicholson, Minister of Justice and Attorney General]. Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for being here and for your interest. It is good to see representation from our police forces here today and to hear about the work that you do. There are some young people present so it is also good to see representation from the young community here supporting us.

This is one of the reasons why we have announced greater funding for our police officers. It is an aim of the Government to help ensure that our portfolio agencies have the resources on the enforcement side to deal with individuals who profit from the illegal sale and distribution of drugs.

We talk about the long arm of the law, the enforcement side, but we also talk about the open arms of the community. This means having communities that reach out to parents, families and people at risk, to help ensure that there is assistance available to those who need it. Having these resources can help prevent individuals, particularly young people, from getting into a life of substance abuse with illegal drugs. I'm very pleased with our Health Minister’s announcement of a $111 million contribution to our provincial and territorial partners over five years. I am especially pleased that $10 million will go towards addressing issues in Vancouver’s downtown east side in my home province. This is another good example of funds moving directly to where they are needed and seeing that those needs are met.

Thank you.