The federal government is taking steps to make it easier for doctors to prescribe methadone and pharmaceutical grade heroin.
Health Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor made the announcement Monday morning in Ottawa at the Shepherds of Good Hope, a homeless shelter that offers programs to drug addicts.
"The changes we've announced today will allow health care practitioners to prescribe and administer methadone treatment without needing to apply for an exemption from federal law," Taylor said.
"We are doing so because the need to apply for an exemption to provide or prescribe methadone discourages many family physicians and general practitioners from offering treatment as a service."
Right now, health care providers such as physicians and pharmacists must apply for an exemption from the Controlled Drug and Substance Act to prescribe, sell or provide methadone with approval from Health Canada.
