Manitoba Health Minister and Steinbach MLA Kelvin Goertzen says measures are being taken across the country to stop the opioid crisis.

Goertzen says there is a great concern with the influx of Fentanyl and Carfentanil use and what this is doing to individuals. But he says we are moving in the right direction towards a common goal.

On the federal level, he says he is happy to see legislation on the restriction of pill presses which can produce tens of thousands of pills daily. Goertzen says this equipment benefits drug dealers and the legislation was introduced at the request of Manitoba. He says Manitoba also requested greater powers provided to Canada Border Services in terms of being able to identify

(Manitoba Health Minister and Steinbach MLA Kelvin Goertzen)illicit drugs coming in from countries like China. That legislation has now been introduced.

At the provincial level, Goertzen says a social media campaign is having a good impact on the dangers of Fentanyl. Further to that, Addictions Foundation of Manitoba is holding a number of information meetings across the province in order to enlighten the public on the dangers of Fentanyl, Carfentanil and opioids. One of those meetings is being planned for Steinbach Regional Secondary School on February 16 from 7 pm to 9 pm.

"So they will have experts there about addictions, people who are doctors and specialists in the field who will talk about opioids, Fentanyl and Carfentanil and the dangers of addictions," says Goertzen. "It's an opportunity for anyone to come and to learn."

Also provincially, Goertzen says they have increased the availability of Naloxone. That means overdoses can be reversed. However, he cautions the public that Naloxone does not take away the risk of dangerous drugs. Goertzen says often people die even when there is Naloxone available.

Goertzen says it is always difficult to measure how many overdoses have been prevented. But he says in speaking with families and experts, the measures being taken in this province are making a difference. Goertzen says government can't put in legislation to stop all overdoses but he says it can ensure there are supports in place for those who are struggling.

"Addiction can be the end result of a lot of things that are happening in somebody's own individual life but it is the symptom of a larger problem," says Goertzen. "So dealing with that problem at a more community or personal level is just as important."

Meanwhile, Goertzen says the latest statistics are not yet out on the number of overdose deaths in Manitoba in 2016. However, the Chief Medical Examiner in Manitoba has suggested it will be between 160 and 170, where the average for the last few years has been 150. He notes that is only a slight increase, though still significant for families living through it. Goertzen says Manitoba has yet to feel the spike being experienced in British Columbia and Alberta.

Manitoba Health has announced Naloxone kits are available at a number of pharmacies including Shoppers in Steinbach and Pharmacie Dufresene in Lorette.