Statement: OxyContin in Aboriginal communities February 29, 2012 Share Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Reddit Share on LinkedIn Email For Immediate Release February 29, 2012 Ottawa – The Aboriginal Peoples’ Commission of the Liberal Party of Canada released the following statement today on the removal of OxyContin from the Canadian pharmaceutical market and the addictions crisis in many First Nations, Inuit, and Metis communities: The OxyContin crisis continues to devastate our families and communities across Canada. Conservative Minister of Health, Leona Aglukkaq’s response to this crisis is to cut drug treatment and support program funding for First Nation, Inuit, and Metis people, and continue to inflict more pain and suffering on those already dealing with this debilitating addiction. The Aboriginal Peoples’ Commission of the Liberal Party of Canada joins the Chief’s of Ontario, health professionals across the country, Liberal Leader Bob Rae, Liberal Critic for Aboriginal Affairs, Dr. Carolyn Bennett, and Liberal Health Critic, Dr. Hedy Fry in their call for provincial and federal governments to work with Aboriginal leadership to quickly coordinate evidence-based response plans that deal with the fallout as a result of the discontinuation of OxyContin in the Canadian pharmaceutical market.” -30- For more information on the Aboriginal Peoples’ Commission, contact: Kevin Seesequasis Vice-President (Communications) Contact Us