Grow Opportunity

News Marketing Human Resources Management
Health Canada announces new funding for cannabis public education

June 24, 2019  By Grow Opportunity staff


The Canadian government is investing $15.2 million to support organizations across Canada that are engaged in cannabis public education and awareness initiatives, Health Minister Ginette Petitpas announced in a statement.

Thirteen organizations will receive funding for their cannabis-related public awareness campaigns, as part of Health Canada’s federal grant under the Substance Use and Addictions Program (SUAP) to educate Canadians on cannabis and the health and safety risks associated with its use.

This new funding is in addition to previously announced investments of $9.8 million through SUAP on cannabis public education.

Organizations funded through SUAP will carry out national and community-based projects that raise awareness about the health effects of cannabis, Health Canada said. Public education initiatives will be implemented across the country, targeting youth and young adults, pregnant and breastfeeding individuals, and other segments of the population requiring tailored information about cannabis. Funding will also support Indigenous peoples, front-line workers, including healthcare professionals, educators and law enforcement officers, by providing the tools, resources, skills and training needed to address cannabis use.

Advertisement

“I am pleased that the Government of Canada continues to support community-based and Indigenous organizations across the country that are helping to educate the public about cannabis,” Petitpas said. “These newly funded cannabis public education and awareness-building projects will allow for the development of much-needed resources that will serve Canadians, including populations that are at greater risk.”

The following organizations will receive SUAP funding for cannabis public education initiatives:

  • Boys and Girls Club of Canada
  • Canadian Consortium for Early Intervention in Psychosis
  • Canadian Nurses Association
  • Canadian Paediatric Society
  • Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
  • Centre of Excellence for Women’s Health
  • First Nations Health and Social Secretariat of Manitoba
  • Métis Nations of Ontario
  • Ngwaagan Gamig Recovery Centre Inc.
  • Ontario Lung Association
  • Parachute
  • Schizophrenia Society of Canada
  • Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada

The total planned investment in cannabis public education, awareness and surveillance is more than $100 million over six years, according to Health Canada.

Under the 2018 federal budget, the government committed $62.5 million over five years to support community-based organizations and Indigenous organizations that are educating their communities on the risks associated with cannabis use.


Print this page

Advertisement

Stories continue below


Related