AWARD FOR PROJECT HOPE

The Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse (CCSA) will honour Premier Lorne Calvert tonight for his leadership and commitment to the field of addiction and for his government's work on Project Hope.

"It is an honour to receive an award from a national organization like the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse," Health Minister John Nilson said on behalf of Premier Calvert. "I am proud to accept this award on behalf of Premier Calvert, whose dedication to the issue of addictions is evident in the level of commitment found in Project Hope.

"I know Premier Calvert would want to acknowledge the work of Healthy Living Services Minister Graham Addley for his work as Legislative Secretary to the Premier on Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment. His consultations and report paved the way for Project Hope.

"And of course, the dedicated professionals who work each day to assist people with substance abuse issues and their families must be recognized and thanked as well."

The Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse is Canada's national addictions agency. Established in 1988, the Centre is an arms-length, not-for-profit organization supported by the federal government through Canada's Drug Strategy.

It provides information and advice to help reduce the health, social and economic harm associated with substance abuse and addictions.

Project Hope is a three-year plan to prevent and treat substance abuse. The government has committed $10 million of new annual funding for the project, in addition to the $4.7 million announced in the 2005-06 budget. This new funding is based on the 15 recommendations contained in the report Healthy Choices in a Healthy Community by Legislative Secretary on Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Graham Addley.

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For More Information, Contact:

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