Madam Speaker, the overdose crisis has impacted far too many lives across our country, affecting all Canadians. Each loss of life due to the dangerous, illegal, toxic drug supply is tragic, creating a heartbreaking reality for families, friends and communities throughout our nation. This pain ripples through society, leaving grieving families and communities struggling to heal.

The Government of Canada is deeply concerned about the devastating effects of substance use, particularly the ongoing overdose crisis. We are committed to taking decisive action to combat this crisis and save lives. Addressing the overdose crisis requires a comprehensive approach rooted in public health and public safety.

Since 2017, we have committed over $1.2 billion to support access to evidence-based prevention, treatment and harm reduction services. We have also supported research and consolidated enforcement activities to combat the production and trafficking of illicit drugs. We have invested more than $650 million in over 420 projects through Health Canada's substance use and addictions program, or SUAP. For example, more than $15.5 million has been allocated to projects in my colleague's community of Kitchener—Waterloo. Across the country, community organizations are working tirelessly to reduce stigma and provide much-needed support to people who use substances.

In line with our ongoing commitment under budget 2023 to fight the overdose crisis, we have allocated $144 million to fund more evidence-based community supports and health interventions following a national call for proposals through SUAP. The initiative generated a lot of interest. In all, close to 700 proposals were submitted and over $2 billion in funding was requested. These proposals were carefully reviewed. The successful proponents were selected based on their ability to implement innovative, community-led projects that are viable and that could eventually be scaled up. The unprecedented number of applications received highlights the severity of the overdose crisis in communities across the country, and confirms that our work is far from done.

Together, we will continue to make the health and well-being of all Canadians a priority and to fight this crisis. Now, we are announcing $150 million over three years as of 2024-25 to implement an emergency treatment fund for municipalities and indigenous communities. This fund will make it possible to quickly respond to urgent needs related to the overdose crisis, increase links to treatments and expand harm reduction services across Canada.

These investments reflect our commitment to making the health and well-being of all Canadians a priority. We will continue to work with our partners to effectively address this crisis.

Élisabeth Brière

$501,370.00