1 National Framework for Action To Reduce the Harms Associated with Alcohol and Other Drugs and Substances in Canada presentation to SOCI – 3055: Studies in Addictions Carleton University January 30, 2007

2 Overview  Current Knowledge – The Costs of Substance Abuse in Canada  National Response: The National Framework for Action to Reduce the Harms Associated with Alcohol and Other Drugs and Substances  The Framework IN Action  The Future

3 Current Knowledge - The Costs of Substance Abuse in Canada 2002 (March 2006) National  Costs to Canadian society rising:  $40 billion per year (2002), or $1,267 per Canadian (up from $18.45 billion in 1992)  Alcohol, tobacco and drug use accounted for 20% of acute care hospital day  Costs include direct health care costs; direct law enforcement costs; direct costs for prevention and research; other direct costs, including fire and traffic accident damage, losses associated with the workplace and administrative costs; and Indirect costs of productivity losses due to disability and premature mortality

4 National Framework: Background  April Health Canada and CDS partners joined with the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse (CCSA) to lead a consultative, multi-stakeholder process to gauge level of support for jointly developing a National Framework for Action  Cross-Canada Consultations – Toronto, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Fredericton, Whitehorse, Vancouver, Iqaluit and Ottawa  Participants – provincial and territorial education, health and justice officials, NGOs, Aboriginal, private sector and policing/enforcement representatives  Wide consultations on a draft national framework  National Forum in June 2005 – general consensus reached

5 The National Framework Circle of Partners

7 Advantages of Framework  Actively fosters collaboration by bringing together key partners to achieve the most beneficial results for the greatest number of people  Increases the possibilities for support at all levels and across all sectors  Enables better planning and utilization of resources  Establishes a common frame of reference  Permits joint ownership while leveraging on various partner contributions

8 The National Framework IN Action  39 endorsements from NGOs, provinces and industry  Accomplishments – Multi-Sectoral Partners working towards the development of national strategies:  National Alcohol Strategy expected to be announced soon will support a culture of moderation and reduce alcohol- related harm through four strategic areas for action: health promotion, prevention and education; health impacts and treatment; availability of alcohol; and safer communities: Co-Chairs – Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission, CCSA and Health Canada  Raising Public Awareness About Addictions: Chair - Addictions Foundation of Manitoba

9 The National Framework IN Action  Sustaining Workforce Development: Chair - CCSA  Preventing the Problematic Use of Psychotropic Pharmaceuticals: Chair - Health Canada  Improving the Quality, Accessibility, and Range of Options to Treat Harmful Substance Use, including Substance Use Disorders: Chair – Canadian Executive Council on Addictions (CECA)  Addressing Enforcement Issues: Chair - Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada  Responding to Offender-Related Issues: Chair - Correctional Services Canada

10 The Secretariat for the National Framework The Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse and Health Canada continue as the informal Secretariat  to identify, lead and/or participate, within available resources, in thematic workshops addressing specific priority issues identified in the Framework  to manage evolution of Framework and assist partners with endorsement process = approval and active support of vision, principles, goals and priorities of Framework  to develop future governance options

11 A Path Forward – the National Framework The Strength of Partnerships  Addressing the figures from the Cost Study  Building capacity through knowledge transfer  Achieving consensus on strategies for national priorities  Leveraging investment

12 National Framework Secretariat Contacts Carolyn Franklin, CCSA , x253 Marjorie Ward, Health Canada National Framework Website:

13 Publications  Costs of Substance Abuse in Canada  2004 Canadian Addiction Survey Publications can be found at