NEW PROJECT HOPE RESEARCH CHAIR ONE STEP CLOSER

Healthy Living Services Minister Graham Addley and University of Saskatchewan president Peter MacKinnon signed a grant agreement today that will bring a new substance abuse research chair to the province. This position will help increase what is known about substance abuse issues and how best to treat them.

"The government is excited to formalize our partnership with the University of Saskatchewan," Addley said. "The signing of this grant agreement is the first step in bringing a research focus to addictions prevention and treatment in Saskatchewan. Through the work of this position, we ensure prevention and treatment options in Saskatchewan are research driven and based on best practice, thereby adding considerably to the quality of services available in Saskatchewan."

The research chair will generate knowledge about substance abuse issues. It will support public policy development and provide outreach and teaching functions. After the official signing of the agreement, the University of Saskatchewan will begin an international search to fill this position.

"We are delighted at this opportunity to work with Saskatchewan Health and with the Minister of Healthy Living Services to find tangible solutions to substance abuse issues in this province," MacKinnon said. "This agreement will enable our university to recruit an international scholar whose research can make a real impact on the work of Project Hope."

The research chair is an integral part of the Premier's Project Hope, a three-year plan to prevent and treat substance abuse. Other work includes accessible, flexible and effective treatment options, efforts to co-ordinate services and initiatives to reduce supply.

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For More Information, Contact:

Jocelyn Argue Health Regina Phone: (306) 787-4083