OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwire) -- 02/09/10 -- The Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., M.P. for Niagara Falls, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, made the following statement today regarding the Government of Canada's decision to file an application for leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada in the Attorney General of Canada v. PHS et al (Insite) case:

"This case raises important questions regarding the doctrine of interjurisdictional immunity and the division of powers between the federal and provincial governments.

There was a dissenting opinion in the B.C. Court of Appeal, and the Government of Canada believes it is important that the Supreme Court of Canada be asked to rule on this matter.

We recognize that injection drug users need assistance. This is why our National Anti-Drug strategy focuses on prevention and access to treatment for those with drug dependencies. At the same time, we aim at getting tough on drug dealers and producers who threaten the safety of our children and communities. Our message is clear: if you sell or produce drugs, you will face jail time.

A total of $230 million over five years has been allocated nationally, under the National Anti-Drug Strategy, in three priority areas for action: preventing illicit drug use; treating illicit drug dependency; and combating the production and distribution of illicit drugs."

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Internet: www.canada.justice.gc.ca