MADD Canada, GM take "Truth" on Cross Country Tour of High Schools

Toronto students got the first look at a new multi-media assembly show that is about to rock teens with the realities of alcohol- and drug-impaired driving. MADD Canada’s Truth premiered at De La Salle College on Tuesday and the production is anticipated to be shown to half a million students across the country in the next eight months.

D. Paterson, GM VP Environmental and Corporate Affairs

Canadian statistics for alcohol- and drug-impaired driving are alarming: One in every eight deaths and injuries in road crashes is a teenager. Tragically, road crashes are the number one cause of death of youth age 15 to 19 in Canada – and alcohol is involved in 40% of the time. Recent statistics tell us the two out of five people who die in crashes involving alcohol are 25 years of age and under.

Karen Dunham, MADD Canada’s National President winces at these statistics. “We want to reverse these trends and to reduce the life loss and injuries sustained by Canadian youth in impaired driving crashes. We will do so by taking our important impaired driving message directly into high schools, and presenting our case through moving and powerful multimedia assembly shows.”

Mrs. Dunham is excited about the production’s upcoming tour. “With the support of General Motors of Canada, we will be taking this assembly show to more young Canadians than ever before – more than 500,000 students will see Truth. Our partnership with GM will go a long way to educating the next generation of drivers about safe and sober driving habits and making the right choices.”

David Paterson, Vice President, Corporate and Environmental Affairs - General Motors of Canada was present to talk to students before the screening. “At GM we believe in the critical work MADD is doing to educate youth and save lives. Safety is our top priority at GM, in the way we work and in the way we build vehicles with features such as OnStar. By partnering with MADD Canada and sponsoring Truth, together we hope to reach as many students as possible with this very impactful production.”

MADD Canada's high school multi-media assembly shows are a key element of its youth services education and awareness initiatives, offered through Canadian schools and public events. Truth exposes false perceptions about drugs, alcohol and driving. Through stories and interviews that show real-life consequences, the show inspires youth to become leaders and promotes positive choices and healthy behaviours. The production features two of Canada ’s most prominent artists Raine Maida from Our Lady Peace and Chantal Kreviazuk as the narrators.