By not explicitly mentioning the opioid crisis in any ministerial mandate letters, advocates are concerned the government is signalling a lack of commitment to addressing the issue. A statement from Bennett's office said the minister is clear on her role in fighting the opioid crisis. The core of that strategy will be combating the opioid crisis," the statement said. Opposition parties were also critical of the government for leaving an explicit mention of the opioid crisis out of the ministerial mandate letters. Groups calling for decriminalizationIn April's budget, the government committed $116 million to addressing the opioid crisis over the next two years.

Source: CBC News December 21, 2021 21:43 UTC