Community Leaders Working to Reduce Substance Misuse and Resulting Social Problems

November 6, 2009 - Today, the Thunder Bay Drug Strategy Steering Committee unveiled how it will begin the work of creating a plan for the City of Thunder Bay to better deal with the issue and impacts of substance misuse.

Generous funding from Health Canada’s Drug Strategy Community Initiatives Fund has provided Thunder Bay an opportunity to examine how our community manages substance misuse issues now, and how we can plan to make changes that will improve the health, safety and quality of life for all citizens.

“The issue of substance misuse is complex, as it is linked to broader issues such as poverty, access to education, employment, inclusion in the community, crime, and violence,” says Rebecca Johnson, City Councillor and Chair of the Drug Strategy Steering Committee.  “Great work is taking place in our community, but there is more that can be done to help prevent substance misuse and those who are affected.”

A major component of the plan to develop the Drug Strategy will involve several focus groups around the City with interested community stakeholders.  The data gathered through these consultations will be evaluated and a report will be prepared from the results. These results will assist the Drug Strategy Steering Committee to shape their recommendations about how we can move forward on this issue together. A clear plan will help to increase the safety and health for all citizens.

"Enforcement alone is not the solution to crimes which are connected to substance abuse.  As a community, we need to address the root causes of crime,” states Chief Bob Herman, Thunder Bay Police Service.

It is anticipated that a draft of the Thunder Bay Drug Strategy will be complete by January 2011.  At that time, the general public will have further opportunity to provide input into the proposed directions.

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