GOVERNMENT OF CANADA RENEWS COMMITMENT TO FUND
NEW DRUG TREATMENT COURTS

OTTAWA , December 3, 2004 – The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, Irwin Cotler, and the Minister of Health, Ujjal Dosanjh, today launched a call for proposals to establish new drug treatment courts across Canada .

“Drug treatment courts have shown considerable promise in helping to break the detrimental cycle of addiction, criminal behaviour and jail for certain drug offenders,” said Minister Cotler. “Expanding the program shows how we can work together – governments, communities and individuals – to reduce crime by dealing with its root causes.”

“By emphasizing treatment rather than incarceration, drug treatment courts can help reduce the tremendous burden of substance abuse and its related health, social and economic costs,” said Minister Dosanjh. “This initiative is an important component of Canada ’s Drug Strategy, which takes a balanced approach to reducing both the demand for and supply of drugs.”

Drug treatment courts aim to reduce crime committed as a result of drug dependency through court-monitored treatment and community service support for offenders with drug addictions. By helping non-violent offenders deal with their addictions and improve their social stability, the program also reduces the criminal behaviour associated with substance abuse.

Two drug treatment courts are already in operation in Toronto and Vancouver . As part of the renewal of Canada ’s Drug Strategy in May 2003, the Government of Canada committed to expanding the use of drug treatment courts in Canada . The federal government will contribute funding for at least three new courts. Each court could receive up to a maximum of $750,000 per fiscal year, for an initial period of up to four years. Partnerships at the provincial and local levels are key to ensuring adequate funding of any proposal and the ultimate success of drug treatment courts in achieving their objectives.

The new courts will be established under the Drug Treatment Court Funding Program, available to national, provincial, municipal, Aboriginal, community-based or professional organizations. Provincial, territorial, municipal and regional governments, institutions or agencies are also eligible.

Detailed application requirements are found in the Drug Treatment Court Funding Program Guide for Applicants 2004-2005 . Completed proposals must be submitted to the Department of Justice by January 17, 2005 .

To access an online version of the Guide for Applicants, which includes the application,
or to learn more about Drug Treatment Courts, visit:
http://canada.justice.gc.ca/en/ps/pb/dtc/index.html

To learn more about Canada ’s Drug Strategy, visit:
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/english/media/releases/2003/2003_34bk1.htm

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Ref.:

Denise Rudnicki
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Justice
(613) 992-4621

Ken Polk
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Health
(613) 957-0200

Media Relations
Department of Justice Canada
(613) 957-4207

Media Relations
Health Canada
(613) 957-1588