The Quebec government is ramping up its fight against opioid overdoses and addiction with a $35 million annual investment over the next 10 years.
The province announced on Wednesday the creation of two initiatives: a three-year plan to tackle opioid overdoses and a 10-year strategy that focuses on drug, online gambling and internet addiction.
READ MORE: Laval police officers now equipped with naloxone as fentanyl overdoses continue to rise
As part of the plan, the province also announced several measures such as giving professional workers access to prevention and harm reduction tools. The government is also considering opening safe injection sites in locations other than Montreal.
When it comes to fighting overdoses, the province said it will also make naloxone, a life-saving opioid antidote, more accessible.
READ MORE: Quebec pharmacists to carry fentanyl antidote naloxone
Barrette said while Quebec is not facing a fentanyl crisis like other provinces, it’s important to invest in prevention and to control the situation.
“A crisis is something that’s not really under control, something that’s expanding,” he said. “We’re not seeing that level of evolution if that allows us, in my view, to call this a crisis.”
— with files from Gloria Henriquez and la Presse Canadienne