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Major Funding Boost for Indigenous Addictions Care in Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma
Feb 19th, 2026
Northern Ontario continues to face a growing mental health and addictions crisis, with Indigenous communities along the North Shore experiencing some of the most severe impacts. In response, the federal government has announced a major investment aimed at expanding access to culturally grounded, life-saving care.
Maamwesying North Shore Community Health Services has been awarded $3.6 million through Canada’s Emergency Treatment Fund.
This funding will support the expansion of Indigenous-led addictions programming, strengthen outreach teams, and help people navigate the recovery system with consistent, compassionate support. Maamwesying serves seven communities between Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury, representing roughly 5,000 people who rely on culturally safe health services rooted in community values and Anishinaabe knowledge.
The investment is part of a larger $11.4 million package supporting eight addictions and mental health initiatives across Northern Ontario. These projects include services in Kenora, Thunder Bay, Wikwemikong, Orillia, and other regions where the toxic drug crisis has created urgent needs. Leaders say the funding will help reduce barriers to care, improve access to treatment, and support frontline workers who have been carrying a heavy burden throughout the crisis.
Combined with the previously announced $3.5 million for the 24/7 Community Wellness Bus in Sault Ste. Marie, the region now has more than $7 million dedicated to strengthening mental health and addictions supports. While the challenges remain significant, this investment represents meaningful progress toward stabilizing services, expanding culturally grounded care, and offering hope to individuals and families across the North Shore.
