What is the Emergency Treatment Fund for?

It funds urgent, community-level responses to the overdose crisis, including trauma-informed and culturally relevant treatment services.

Who qualifies for ETF grants?

Canadian municipalities outside Alberta and Quebec, plus all Indigenous entities across Canada, are eligible to apply.

What’s the biggest thing ETF funding covers?

Mobile outreach vehicles—like vans for counselling or clinics—are a key eligible capital expense and a strategic focus of the fund.

When do ETF-funded projects need to happen?

Projects must start after April 1, 2026, and finish before March 31, 2027.

What’s the deadline to apply for ETF?

The final deadline is November 4, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. ET. Late applications won’t be accepted.

(Video) How to apply for the Emergency Treatment Fund

October 17, 2025

Most communities miss funding windows because they don’t know what’s possible. The Emergency Treatment Fund offers up to $2M for urgent response projects—but timing, eligibility, and readiness matter. Here’s how to get it right and apply with confidence.

Key Moments in this Video

What is the Emergency Treatment Fund and why does it exist?

The Emergency Treatment Fund is a Health Canada program created to respond rapidly to the overdose crisis. It allocates $150 million over three years to help communities build urgent, trauma-informed, and culturally relevant treatment services. The goal is to support local readiness with real, on-the-ground solutions. The fund helps municipalities and Indigenous communities implement evidence-based programs without delay. If your community needs to act fast, this fund is built for that exact purpose.

Who can apply for the Emergency Treatment Fund in Canada?

Canadian municipalities, except those in Alberta and Quebec, are eligible to apply, along with their agencies. Indigenous communities and governing bodies, including those in Alberta and Quebec, are also eligible. If you’ve received ETF funding before, you can still apply again, as long as your new project is different. In fact, priority may be given to applicants who haven’t received ETF funding before, making this a fresh opportunity for first-time applicants.

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What can I use the Emergency Treatment Fund for?

The ETF focuses on urgent, cost-effective projects that are ready to launch. One of the most impactful eligible expenses is capital purchases for mobile treatment units, like outreach vans or mobile clinics. These allow communities to bring services directly to people in need, without waiting on new construction. However, building new facilities isn’t covered. Projects must start between April 1, 2026, and March 31, 2027, making timeline readiness key.

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When is the deadline and how do I apply?

Applications are due by 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time on November 4, 2025, through the Health Canada Funding Application System. Starting early is critical, last-minute tech issues could cost you this opportunity. In its guide, Health Canada says clearly, “start the process early.” You don’t want to be caught dealing with technical problems right before the deadline. The application must be complete and submitted on time, especially since it involves federal funding. If your project includes mobile units, you can even request a quote to strengthen your budget proposal. Don’t delay, the window is short, and the impact could be huge.

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Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What is the Emergency Treatment Fund in Canada?
It’s a Health Canada fund offering up to $2M annually for overdose crisis response projects in eligible communities.

2. Who can apply for the Emergency Treatment Fund?
Canadian municipalities (except Alberta and Quebec) and Indigenous entities across Canada, including those in Alberta and Quebec, are eligible.

3. What can ETF funding be used for?
It can be used for urgent, ready-to-launch projects, especially capital purchases like mobile outreach units, not new building construction.

4. When is the ETF application deadline?
The deadline is 2:00 p.m. ET on November 4, 2025. Applications must be submitted online through the Health Canada system.

5. Can past ETF recipients apply again?
Yes, but their new project must be different from previously funded ones. New applicants may be given priority.

6. What are the key dates for the Emergency Treatment Fund application?

Application Deadline:
November 4, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time
All applications must be submitted online via the Health Canada Funding Application System.
Project Start Date (Earliest):
April 1, 2026
Project End Date (Latest):
March 31, 2027

Links to Get Started

➤ Go to: Applicant Guide
Get the full details on eligibility, project criteria, and submission rules directly from Health Canada
➤ Start Your Application Here
Submit your ETF proposal through the official Health Canada Funding Application System: