Anti-Drug Secretariat (Ontario) Explained

The Anti-Drug Secretariat was a provincial government agency in Ontario, Canada, from 1989 to 1992. It was led by a member of the Executive Council of Ontario, who was styled as the Minister responsible for the provincial anti-drug strategy.

The first minister to hold this position was Ken Black, who also served as Minister of Tourism and Recreation in the government of David Peterson. Black had previously authored a report on the province's anti-drug strategy and served as the premier's advisor on drug issues. Following his appointment, he was responsible for coordinating anti-drug strategies within seven government ministries.[1]

The agency was restructured as the Office of Substance Abuse Strategy in 1992.[2] It appears to have been quietly phased out in 1993, with most of its responsibilities transferred to the Ministry of Health.

Ministers responsible for the provincial anti-drug strategy

 Name PartyTook officeLeft officeKen Black
Liberal19891990Mike Farnan
New Democratic Party19901991Frances Lankin
New Democratic Party19911992

Ministers responsible for the substance abuse strategy

 Name PartyTook officeLeft officeFrances Lankin
New Democratic Party19921993

References

  1. Nomi Morris, "There are no quick solutions Black says", Toronto Star, 3 August 1989, A26.
  2. "ABUSE OF LEGAL DRUGS IS TARGET OF NEW STRATEGY" [press release], Canada NewsWire, 25 June 1992.