Alcohol and Other Drug Strategies: Examples from provincial (HEP) and municipal (Toronto) initiatives

Thursday February 23rd, 2:00 – 3:30 PM EST

As part of this presentation, Reggie Caverson will provide participants with a brief description of the background of efforts at the national level to renew Canada's Drug Strategy through Health Canada and the CCSA, and how these efforts have impacted on provinces and territories across the country. This will include information on why CAMH was asked to sponsor HEP in Ontario as part of their role with CECA (Canadian Executive Council on Addictions), the importance of building on the unique needs and strengths of Ontario, the need to bring together various lead agencies in each of the sectors to collaborate on the development of a provincial drug strategy and progress to date.

As part of this presentation, Susan Shepherd will provide a general overview of the content of The Toronto Drug Strategy: A comprehensive approach to alcohol and other drugs in the City of Toronto, with a particular focus on alcohol. The Toronto Drug Strategy was adopted by City Council in December 2005. Susan will discuss the process used to develop the strategy and highlight "lessons learned" that may be applicable to other municipalities. She will also provide details on the implementation phase of the strategy, including the process and priorities for moving forward.