Ottawa spending $2.8M to fight overdose crisis in Atlantic Canada
The federal government is spending $2.8 million to combat the overdose crisis across Atlantic Canada.
Marjorie Michel, minister of health, announced the money will support projects in Fredericton and Miramichi in New Brunswick, Amherst in Nova Scotia and St. John's in Newfoundland and Labrador.
The money will come from the Emergency Treatment Fund.
'This funding will deliver immediate support where it is needed most,' said Michel. 'We are using every tool available to connect people to care, address urgent local challenges, and keep our communities safe.'
The John Howard Society and the City of Fredericton will use the money to expand outreach efforts, adding overnight services for vulnerable populations. The program will deliver supplies, distribute naloxone and offer overdose support.
'By extending outreach efforts into the overnight hours, we aim to ensure that no one is left without access to essential services—regardless of the time of day,' said John Barrow, executive director of the Society. 'These new overnight outreach services will work in close coordination with existing daytime programs, creating a continuous and responsive support system that prioritizes safety, connection to services, and community care.'
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