Good afternoon, Mr. Chair, and first of all congratulations on your election to the position of chair.
Honourable members of the committee, thank you for inviting the RCMP to participate in these proceedings. I am happy to be here today with my colleague and partners.
I am Inspector Jean Cormier, and I currently hold the position of director of the federal coordination centres within the RCMP's federal policing program at national headquarters. The federal coordination centres provide subject-matter expertise to many of the enforcement initiatives supported by federal statutes.
Today I am accompanied by Corporal Luc Chicoine, who is one of the RCMP's Drug Initiatives National Coordinator at RCMP National Headquarters.
Thank you for the opportunity to say a few words about the RCMP's engagement with this important issue, as well as our relationship with the different partners from the Canadian government involved in addressing the issue of prescription drug abuse.
Prescription drug abuse is a serious problem affecting citizens of our country. The misuse and abuse of prescription drugs has always been present, but recently it has become increasingly prevalent and therefore requires the attention of all of us. Non-medical use of prescription drugs is the third-most prevalent form of drug abuse among Ontario students. Information from Health Canada estimates that it is at 16.7% just behind cannabis at 22% and alcohol at 55%.
The misuse and abuse of prescription drugs has devastating impacts on the citizens of Canada. It is important to note that this issue is felt across all age groups, races, social classes, incomes, ethnic backgrounds and genders. The misuse and abuse of prescription drugs directly affects the Canadian population as a whole, our businesses, communities, and our international reputation.
One of the dangers posed by prescription drug abuse is the false sense of safety users have, as it is prescribed by doctors, manufactured in regulated facilities and provided by pharmacists. However, when these prescription drugs are misused, they come with the same devastating impact as other illicit drugs.
It is important for law enforcement to work collaboratively with domestic and international partners to identify, prevent, and detect the diversion and trafficking of prescription drugs by pursuing those who engage in such activity. The RCMP and other domestic police services are often the first responders to incidents of prescription drug abuse. Education and training of officers is an important step in properly addressing the situation.
We believe that information-sharing between different private and public partners is crucial in addressing this problem.
The National Anti-Drug Strategy promotes a three-pillar approach—prevention, treatment and enforcement. The RCMP is an active participant within the National Anti-Drug Strategy so as to deal with the problems related to prescription drug abuse.
The investigation of abuse or diversion of prescription drugs is complex and challenging. In spite of this, the RCMP in concert with its partners is focused on two of the national anti-drug strategy pillars—prevention and treatment.
All RCMP officers are technically responsible for investigating illicit drug-related activities. We do, however, have officers such as Corporal Chicoine here who have special training in drug investigation who are also considered subject-matter experts. These resources also have a responsibility to investigate illicit activities related to prescription drugs. There are some of these trained resources situated in all provinces and territories across Canada.
Although international cooperation has come a long way in establishing standards to prevent and detect prescription drug abuse, such as the elimination or further restriction of certain prescription drugs, continued effort and a sustained focus must be maintained.
The RCMP believes that everyone has ownership and a role to play in the prevention of prescription drug abuse.
It is our belief that focusing on prevention by raising the level of awareness within our communities, including our health care practitioners, of the misuse and abuse of prescription drugs will assist in conducting successful enforcement action that will suppress criminal activities. The RCMP is committed to efforts to detect and deter prescription drug abuse, which has a negative impact on Canada and the well-being of Canadians.
I thank you and look forward to answering your questions.