Opioid crisis was flagged in joint statement due to severity of crisis: Goodale
OTTAWA — The severity of the opioid crisis in Canada and the United States prompted its inclusion in a joint statement from the two countries, Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale said Tuesday, noting the issue is international in scope.
The statement, released Monday following a meeting in Washington between Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and President Donald Trump, highlights their shared concern about the increase in opioid-related deaths as well as opioid trafficking.
There are very legitimate worries about the issue on both sides of the border, Goodale said, noting Canada is working with all its allies to stop the illegal drug flow.
Senior law enforcement and border officials are already working together on a regular basis, he added, but Monday’s joint statement solidifies the need for partnership.