By Rosalind Russell – Sault Ste. Marie-Algoma MP, Terry Sheehan, says more than $11.4 million from the Emergency Treatment Fund is being dedicated to eight projects across Ontario, from the Ministry of Health.
He says through the fund, the federal government will address urgent needs related to the illegal drug crisis supporting treatment, recovery, prevention and harm reduction services.
He says the funding includes over $3.6 million for Maamwesying North Shore Community Health Services, which provides health services to communities throughout the Algoma region including urban Sault Ste. Marie and in the First Nations along the North Shore of Lake Huron.
Sheehan says that money will be used to establish an 24/7 community outreach team providing low-barrier access to medical, mental health, addiction, harm reduction, and housing support for vulnerable populations.
The additional funds are also being provided to the Manitoulin Island-based First Nation treatment service – Wiidookaage Waabandan, Wikwemikong Unceded Territory, a North Shore recovery centre – Ngwaagan Gamig Recovery Centre, as well as the cities of Thunder Bay and Orillia, and the Kenora Chiefs Advisory Incorporated.
On October 6, 2025, Health Canada launched a call for proposals under the ETF for projects for the 2026/27 fiscal year.
New projects selected for funding are set to begin as early as April 2026.
Photo: Terry Sheehan was joined by Chief Karen Bell (Garden River First Nation), Counsellor & Board Chair Peyton Pitawanakwat, Councillor Lawrence Solomon representing Chief Toulouse of Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation, Allan Moffatt and Chantelle Evans of Maamwesying North Shore Community Health Services, Travis Jones (Garden River), Angela Trudeau, MaryAnne Giguere, and Miranda Scott for the funding announcement. Photo provided
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