Madam Speaker, the overdose crisis is one of the most significant and complex public health threats that Canada has faced in decades. There is no simple solution. The factors driving the crisis are complex and interrelated. They include the contamination of illegal drugs with potent synthetic opioids, underlying socio-economic disadvantages, and challenges in connecting people with the appropriate services. We need to work together to stop the harm done and the needless deaths of people across the country.
No one government can address this crisis alone. That is why we are working closely with all orders of government, partners and stakeholders to implement a comprehensive approach to addressing substance use and related harms, focused on health, social well-being and protecting public safety.
Working with the provinces and territories and other partners across the country means implementing new solutions, monitoring them closely and making the necessary adjustments along the way. We cannot keep trying the same thing over and over again and expect different results. We have to be audacious and open to finding new solutions to get out of this crisis.
The amendment to B.C.'s exemption for personal drug possession demonstrates this point. In May 2024, we granted B.C.'s request to prohibit the possession of controlled substances in public spaces because the province identified a concern and sought to adjust its approach. We have always maintained that this exemption, granted at the request of the provincial government, will be closely monitored and amended if needed.
Public safety has remained an absolute priority for the Government of Canada, which continues to work on finding innovative solutions to the current drug toxicity crisis.
We are working in close collaboration with our national and international partners, including Public Safety Canada, the RCMP, Canada Border Services Agency and Canada Post, to disrupt the illegal drug network, equip border officers with the tools they need to intercept illegal drugs and precursors and counter, with our private sector partners, the money laundering that comes with illegal drug trafficking.
The government will also continue to invest in other evidence-based services and supports to counter the crisis. For example, in budget 2024, we announced a new commitment of $150 million for a fund to support the municipalities and indigenous communities. This funding will allow them to provide a rapid response, especially for the hard-hit communities with urgent and critical needs related to the overdose crisis.
With the ultimate aim of providing Canadians with timely access to the prevention, harm reduction, treatment and recovery services and supports they need, we will continue to work with municipalities, provincial and territorial governments, law enforcement agencies, indigenous communities and people with living or lived experience in order to take urgent action and leverage our tools and collective expertise to tackle this national public health crisis.