Drug treatment courts expand to four more cities.

OTTAWA -- Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, Irwin Cotler, and Minister of Health, Ujjal Dosanjh announced funding for the establishment of four new Drug Treatment Courts in Edmonton, Regina, Winnipeg and Ottawa. This move expands the number of Drug Treatment Courts which were a pilot project in Vancouver and Toronto and which 'have shown promise in reducing addiction and repeat offences in those areas.

The courts attempt to encourage persons with addictions who are in court on non-violent charges to enter monitored treatment programs. Participants follow a structured program of treatment and community service support to reduce their dependence on illegal drugs. The program is expected to reduce the criminal behaviour associated with substance abuse.

Minister Dosanjh states that "The benefits of these new courts extend not only to participants but to Canadians as well by helping to reduce staggering health, social and economic costs associated with substance abuse."

Funding agreements are being finalized for each of the successful proposals from Edmonton, Regina, Winnipeg and Ottawa, with each new court expected to begin operations by the fall of this year. All funding recipients will be required to report annually on the results of their activities, and to support the collection of information and data on the effectiveness of Drug Treatment Courts.

Drug Treatment Courts require the participation of the the police, drug treatment programs and other community groups that work together to help offenders overcome their addictions and find safe housing and stable employment.

http://canada.justice.gc.ca/en/ps/pb/prog/dtc/