Feds pledge almost $2M for Ottawa company’s safer supply program

A local not-for-profit is getting an almost $2-million boost thanks to Health Canada’s Substance Use and Addictions Program (SUAP).

MP for Ottawa-Vanier, Mona Fortier announced the funding on Thursday, June 22, for Pathways to Recovery’s Safer Supply Ottawa Program.

“Every day in Canada and across the National Capital Region people are needlessly dying because of a toxic drug supply. Safer supply projects are one of many important tools that have the potential to help save lives in our community as part of a comprehensive approach to addressing the toxic drug supply that is driving overdose deaths,” Mona Fortier said in a release.

“While we all have a role in reducing the stigma around substance use, the Government of Canada is pleased to support Pathways to Recovery for the great work they do in improving care and reducing barriers for people who use substances and experience discrimination as a result.”

The program will use the $1.9 million to expand its services at five sites across Ottawa. It will also help to provide additional access to practitioners, mental health programs, housing support, peer workers, and other support services.

Board Chair and Director Pathways to Recovery, Donna Sarrazin, said in a release that findings from their external research team at the University of Ottawa, determined that the Safer Supply Ottawa project has helped to reduce over 80 per cent of overdoses among the program’s patients.

“This funding extension reaffirms our shared commitment to evidence-based strategies and collaborative efforts as we continue to make positive strides toward a safer and healthier community in Ottawa,” she said.

Through SUAP, the Government of Canada provides grants and contributions funding to other levels of government, as well as community-led and not-for-profit organizations, to respond to current drug and substance use issues in Canada.

Since 2017, over $495 million has been committed through Health Canada’s Substance Use and Addiction Program for over 380 projects.