Prime Minister Stephen Harper, joined by Minister of Health Tony Clement and Minister of Public Safety Stockwell Day, today unveiled Canada’s new National Anti-Drug Strategy.

“Our two-track approach will be tough on drug crime and compassionate for victims,” said the Prime Minister. “We’re simply not going to throw in the towel when the health and safety of our communities is at risk.”

The National Anti-Drug strategy will provide $63.8 million over two years to tackle the drug trade. It includes three action plans:

* Preventing illicit drug use among young Canadians;
* Treating people with illicit drug dependencies; and
* Combating the production and distribution of illicit drugs.

Tackling drugs is part of the Conservative plan for safer communities. Since taking office, Canada’s New Government has:

* Cracked down on speed racing;
* Restricted the use of house arrest for serious crimes; and
* Provided funding for 1,000 new RCMP personnel.

“Tackling the problem of drug use is going to take all of us,” said the Prime Minister. “Breaking Canada’s drug habit will require a huge effort. But as of today our country is on the road to recovery.”