Narcotics Strategy: what other people are saying

"Ontario needs a system-wide program to address serious problems associated with prescription narcotics and controlled substances. Ontario's plan to educate the public and health providers, as well as implement a system to monitor prescribing and dispensing, are critical steps forward."

- Dr. Jack Mandel, President, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario

"More people in Ontario are seeking treatment for addictions to prescription narcotics. Ontario's Narcotics Strategy addresses the root causes of our province's problems with prescribed opioids and other substances."

- Dr. Catherine Zahn, President, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)

"Misuse and abuse of prescription narcotics does not just impact one's health. It impacts public safety in many Ontario communities. I am very pleased to see the province bring forward the Narcotics Strategy which will help to address the misuse and abuse of prescription narcotics and controlled substances."

- Ian Peer, Deputy Chief, London Police Service

"I believe the Narcotics Strategy is an important public health measure that will help curb the escalating rates of opioid overdose and addiction in the province."

- Dr. Meldon Kahan, Medical Director, Addiction Medicine Services Clinic, St. Joseph's Health Centre

"Deaths due to prescription drug use, unlike illicit drugs, can be more easily prevented with the right tools and this initiative is certainly a step in the right direction."

- Dr. Andrew McCallum, Chief Coroner for Ontario, Office of the Chief Coroner

"The misuse of prescription narcotics is a growing concern in Ontario and has become a serious safety issue for pharmacists and their patients. This strategy marks a step towards a more comprehensive approach to ensuring narcotics are prescribed and used appropriately."

- Dennis Darby, Chief Executive Officer, Ontario Pharmacists' Association

"The Narcotics Strategy will provide pharmacists with the tools they require to better manage narcotic dispensing. Monitoring of narcotics and controlled substances will improve the accuracy and timeliness of information that pharmacists work with, and future outreach and educational efforts undertaken within the strategy will also support pharmacists in their delivery of patient care."

- Tina Perlman, Pharmacy Practice Manager, Ontario College of Pharmacists

"There are several hundred deaths from prescription painkillers each year in Ontario. Most of these deaths are accidental and occur in young people. The proposals announced today are an important first step in addressing this massive public health problem."

- Dr. Irfan Dhalla, Staff Physician, St. Michael's Hospital

"The WSIB's experience and evidence with the medical treatment of injured workers fully supports the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care's Narcotics Strategy. We have seen that over-prescription of addictive narcotics can have a damaging effect on injured worker's health and ability to return to work. We have developed and implemented our own narcotics prescription strategy and are pleased Ontario's health ministry is focusing on promoting responsible usage of these addictive drugs."

- David Marshall, President and CEO, Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB)