Ottawa to provide money to First Nations for prescription drug abuse treatment

The federal government says it will do more to help First Nations provide treatment for prescription drug addiction.

Health Minister Rona Ambrose says Ottawa plans to spend $13.5 million over the next five years for on-reserve support programs.

Ambrose made the announcement before touring the All Nations Healing Hospital in Fort Qu'Appelle, Sask., near Regina.

Ambrose said prescription drug abuse is a significant health and safety concern in North America.

Saskatchewan First Nations and partners are to receive more than $2.6 million of the funding.

Part of the money is to go toward a crisis intervention team to be co-ordinated through two regional hubs — one in Saskatchewan and one in Manitoba.