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February 27, 2026

Sudbury MP announces funding to help support prevention and reduction in youth substance use

SUDBURY – Youth in Northern Ontario are using substances at a much higher rate than the rest of Ontario and it remains a growing concern for communities. Sudbury and LaCloche have experienced record high numbers of opioid-related overdoses, and deaths tied to toxic drugs. To truly make an impact on this crisis, it’s critical we address the root causes of substance use and prevent harms before they begin by focusing on upstream programming and supports.

Today, Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament for Sudbury, announced $723,550 in funding to Shkagamik-Kwe Health Centre under the Youth Substance Use Prevention Program (YSUPP). YSUPP funding helps communities across Canada create tailored approaches to substance use prevention based on their specific needs. To address this locally, partners are launching Planet Youth’s Icelandic Prevention Model, a globally recognized upstream approach that promotes youth well-being and reduces substance use. This model is a long-term, community-led approach to preventing youth substance use. The model focuses on listening to young people while supporting families and creating safe, positive spaces for youth in community.

“This funding enables our community to take action to prevent substance use and support young people in ways that meet their unique needs. Through these tailored, community-based approaches, young people will receive the support, safety and opportunities they deserve,” said Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament for Sudbury. “This model is internationally recognized and takes a collaborative approach to preventing youth substance use.”

“When communities listen to youth, they honour their voices and strengthen the circle of support for families. Creating safe, engaging spaces for young people reflects our responsibility to nurture balance and belonging. This allows us to see real improvements in overall well-being,” said Angela Recollet, E-niigaazid (CEO), Shkagamik-Kwe Health Centre. “Planet Youth helps us understand what youth need and enables us to walk together in a good way, supporting them where they are at.”

Shkagamik-Kwe Health Centre and Sudbury District Restorative Justice have created a Steering Committee comprised of leaders from the City of Greater Sudbury, Public Health, Sudbury & Districts, the Ontario Health Team, Canadian Mental Health Association (Sudbury/Manitoulin), Manitoulin-Sudbury District Services Board, Rainbow District School Board, Sudbury Catholic School Board, Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon, and Conseil scolaire du Grand Nord. This Committee provides overall leadership and direction.

All this work is done in partnership with Planet Youth, the Knowledge Development and Exchange Hub (KDE) along with local collaborators. Together, these partners will develop and share tools, alongside youth, to inform prevention policy, practice, and long-term change.

“This is about upstream prevention education and prevention focused problem solving initiatives that engage youth, families and community” said Jackie Balleny, Executive Director, Sudbury District Restorative Justice. “By investing in this proactive, community-focused approach, we collaboratively design actions that can improve youth mental health, reduce substance-related harm, and help families and communities thrive long term.”

“For years, our community has been working to deliver upstream solutions that support youth before challenges escalate,” said Greater Sudbury Mayor Paul Lefebvre. “Through the work of the Community Safety and Well-Being Panel, we’ve focused on prevention, collaboration, and listening to young people and Planet Youth reflects exactly that long-term approach.”

Having the tools and resources to address the root causes of substance use in our communities is essential to preventing harms. Together, we can make a meaningful impact on youth health and well-being.

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Quick Facts:

The Youth Substance Use Prevention Program (YSUPP) is a key element of the renewed Canadian Drugs and Substance Strategy (CDSS), supported by a $20.2 million investment over five years. This funding is part of the more than $359 million committed through Budget 2023, which also includes $144 million for the Substance Use and Addictions Program (SUAP) to advance community-based initiatives and other evidence-based health interventions.
On June 26, 2024, the Public Health Agency of Canada announced more than $3.1 million under the Youth Substance Use Prevention Program that aims to adapt and implement the Icelandic Prevention Model, which is recognized internationally for its collaborative approach to preventing substance use harms among youth. The model is based on the fundamental principle that prevention efforts should be focused on building strong and healthy communities.

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