GOVERNMENT OF CANADA PROVIDES AN ADDITIONAL
$ 1 MILLION FOR THE TORONTO DRUG TREATMENT COURT

TORONTO, September 24, 2001 - Anne McLellan, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, today announced on behalf of the Government of Canada an additional $ 1 million for the Toronto Drug Treatment Court pilot project. This will support the operation of the court a further two years until December 2004. Funding for the Drug Treatment Court Program is being provided through the National Strategy on Community Safety and Crime Prevention's Investment Fund, administered jointly by the Department of Justice and the Solicitor General of Canada.

"The First National Drug Treatment Court Workshop is the product of broad consultation, and is an example of how we can work together to reduce crime by dealing with its root causes. The Government of Canada is proud to be a partner in its success," said Minister McLellan.

The two-day workshop offers an opportunity to gain skills and knowledge in the planning and implementation of Drug Treatment Courts as one component of a community justice strategy, and provides participants with forums for discussing potential new approaches in Drug Treatment Courts across Canada, using the Toronto model as a basis. The workshop is a joint effort between the National Strategy on Community Safety and Crime Prevention, and the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade's Human Security Program.

"The support of the Human Security Program for this workshop demonstrates one element of the Government's response to fulfilling Canada's commitment to combat the global drug problem, the trade in illicit drugs and the increase in drug related crimes. I congratulate the Toronto Drug Treatment Court on its valuable contribution to the fight against illicit drugs and their devastating social and economic impact," added Minister John Manley.

The Drug Treatment Court Program was first implemented in 1998 to reduce drug abuse and criminal behaviour through judicially-supervised treatment programs and community support. It is a collaborative effort of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto's criminal justice system, the Toronto Police Service, the City of Toronto Public Health Office and various community based service agencies.

"The government launched the first Drug Treatment Court as a complementary means to address the root causes of drug-related offences. Because of Toronto's Drug Treatment Court, offenders are breaking the cycle of addiction and criminal behaviour, and becoming healthy, contributing members of society," said Minister McLellan.

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Ref.:

Farah Mohamed
Minister McLellan's Office
(613) 992-4621

Jennifer Sloan
Minister Manley's Office
(613) 995-1851

Dorette Huggins
Department of Justice
(416) 954-6093

Mark Stokes
National Strategy on Community Safety and Crime Prevention
(613) 954-1721