Symposium on prescription drug abuse focuses on First Nations issues

Health Canada Minister Rona Ambrose recently met with First Nations representatives, provincial officials, doctors, pharmacists, law enforcement and addictions specialists in Edmonton to discuss prescription drug abuse. The symposium was the second of its kind in as many years, with a specific focus on the increasing incidents of overdose and abuse of prescription drugs reported in First Nations communities across the province in recent months. Following the symposium, Ambrose announced $13 million in federal funding over the next five years to increase the number of annual pharmacy inspections carried out by Health Canada. Working with pharmacies across the country, this will help to ensure the safe handling, storage and security of prescription drugs in Canada, and reduce opportunities for the diversion of prescription drugs for illegal sale and use.