Substance abuse prevention at the heart of $730K in federal funding

Set to address the root causes of substance use among young people, the federal government announced Feb. 27 an investment of $723,550 in funding to support the adaptation of the Icelandic Prevention Model in Sudbury.

Published by: Sudbury.com
Author: Sudbury.com Staff
February 27, 2026

Set to address the root causes of substance use among young people by focusing on “upstream planning and supports”, the federal government announced Feb. 27 an investment of $723,550 in funding to Shkagamik-Kwe Health Centre, reads a press release from the office of Sudbury MP Viviane Lapointe.

Announced in the alternative school classroom at Shkagamik-kwe’s Elm Street location, the funding is to “help communities across Canada create tailored approaches to substance use prevention based on their specific needs,” through what's known as the Icelandic Model, “recognized internationally for its collaborative approach to preventing substance use harms among youth,” states the release.

Specifically, it’s Planet Youth's Icelandic Prevention Model, a “globally recognized upstream approach that promotes youth well-being and reduces substance use,” states the release. “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.”

Shkagamik-Kwe, in partnership with Sudbury District Restorative Justice have created a steering committee “to provide overall leadership and direction” for development of the model locally, made up of staff from the City of Greater Sudbury, Public Health Sudbury and Districts, the Ontario Health Team, Canadian Mental Health Association (Sudbury/Manitoulin), Manitoulin-Sudbury Districts Services Board, and representatives from Rainbow District and Sudbury Catholic school boards, as well as Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon and du Grand Nord.

The release states the work is done in partnership with Planet Youth’s Knowledge and Exchange Hub, along with local collaborators.

"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 Lapointe, in the release. "This model is internationally recognized and takes a collaborative approach to preventing youth substance use."

Jackie Balleny, executive director, Sudbury District Restorative Justice said the prevention education and prevention-focused problem solving that are part of the program engage youth, families and community. "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."

The funding comes from the federal Youth Substance Use Prevention Program.