On June 22, 2007, the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse (CCSA) and the Department of Health and Social Services, GNWT (DHSS) formalized an opportunity to enhance their respective roles and effectiveness with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement that brings together the unique strengths of each organization.
Context
It is widely recognized that substance abuse and addictions have a negative impact on the social, health and economic well-being of Canadians, and in particular First Nations and Inuit families, and that effective partnerships between Industry, government and non-governmental organizations can promote the development of leading-edge research, policies and programs that reduce the harm associated with alcohol and other drugs.
DHSS and CCSA pledge to work together in a spirit of cooperation, learning and support in all these interconnected areas, and
- To collaborate on issues of mutual interest regarding First Nations and Inuit and the issues of alcohol and other drugs and substances;
- To jointly create opportunities to provide a long-term sustainable network of partnerships between Industry and government/non-government organizations;
- To champion inter-sectoral partnerships and practical means to enhance the development of HEP (Health, Education and Enforcement in Partnership) in the NWT; and
- To implement practical means to enhance the development of the northern priorities of "Reaching out to Canada's North" from the National Framework for Action.