David Coon, MLA/Député

Fredericton – MLA for Fredericton South and Leader of the Green Party of New Brunswick, David Coon, issued the following statement in recognition of National Addictions Awareness Week:

“Each year, the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse and Addiction joins organizations across the country in observing National Addictions Awareness Week. This week highlights issues and solutions to help address alcohol – and other drug-related harm, and provides an opportunity for Canadians to learn about prevention, talk about treatment and recovery, and bring forward solutions for change.”

“One solution for change in New Brunswick would be for our government to lay out and implement an alcohol harm reduction strategy. Worldwide, the harmful use of alcohol ranks in the top five risk factors for morbidity, disability and mortality, yet our government has no plan to address the risk it poses to New Brunswickers. Most New Brunswickers don’t even know the overuse of alcohol is connected to several cancers, depression and anxiety.

“That is why on November 3rd I tabled a motion in the Legislature urging the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health to develop a comprehensive strategy to reduce alcohol consumption and alcohol related injuries and deaths in the province.

“This National Addictions Awareness Week I add my voice to those across the country in support of those living with addictions and at various stages in their recovery. I also urge our government to develop a comprehensive alcohol harm reduction strategy without delay.”

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