MADD Canada’s School Program Hits the Screen in Nova Scotia with Provincial Sponsor NSLC

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia, Nov. 04, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Students in Halifax will be among the first in Nova Scotia to see MADD Canada’s 2026–2027 School Program. MADD Canada and Provincial Sponsor, the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC) are kicking off the School Program’s provincial tour with a special screening today at École secondaire du Sommet in Halifax, sharing important messages about impaired driving prevention with students.

Road crashes are a leading cause of death among Canadian youth, with alcohol, cannabis and/or other drugs involved in more than half of these crashes. Education and awareness can help young people recognize the risks and make informed choices. MADD Canada’s one-hour School Program presentations for students in Grades 7 through 12 deliver strong messages about the impacts of impaired driving and encourage youth to make safe choices.

“Every impaired driving tragedy begins with a decision, and young people need to understand the consequences those decisions can have,” said Trisha Dosaj, National President of MADD Canada, who was injured in an impaired driving crash in 2013 with her daughter, Sophia, while her sister, Jayna, and unborn niece, Lauren, were killed in the same crash. “Through MADD Canada School Program, we want students to recognize the risks, make safe decisions and know that they can help prevent impaired driving. MADD Canada is grateful to the NSLC for its continued support in delivering 40 presentations this year.”

"As Nova Scotia’s responsible retailer and regulator of beverage alcohol and cannabis, promoting responsible choices is an important part of everything we do," shared Greg Hughes, President and CEO of the NSLC. "Through our support of MADD Canada’s School Program, we are helping engage students in important conversations about impaired driving and empowering them to make informed choices that help keep our communities safe.”

In Impasse (Trapped for the English version), the new film featured in MADD Canada’s 2026–2027 School Program, Gabe, the main character makes a reckless decision that leaves him trapped — both in a vehicle and in the consequences of his actions. The film gives students a starting point to discuss the decisions and circumstances that can lead to impaired driving, and the devastating consequences that can follow. The School Program presentations also include real victim stories.
              
Schools can choose the format that best meets their needs: traditional assembly, classroom, or virtual presentations. A new interactive quiz gives students an opportunity to test their knowledge and learn more about impaired driving. Following the presentation, each school receives a School Kit which includes an Educators’ Guide along with additional resources to help teachers continue the sober driving conversation throughout the school year.

MADD Canada is grateful to its National and Provincial Sponsors for supporting the School Program. For more information on our sponsors and to view a clip of MADD Canada’s School Program, check out: maddyouth.ca/school-program/.

About MADD Canada
MADD Canada (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) is a national, charitable organization that is committed to stopping impaired driving and supporting the victims and survivors of this violent crime. With volunteer-driven groups in close to 100 communities across Canada, MADD Canada aims to offer support services to victims, heighten awareness of the dangers of impaired driving and save lives and prevent injuries on our roads. For more information, visit www.madd.ca. Follow MADD Canada on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

About NSLC
The NSLC manages the safe and responsible sale of beverage alcohol and cannabis in Nova Scotia, returning 100% of its profits to government to help fund key public services. The NSLC aspires to be a shopper-centric retailer, employer of choice, responsible steward, and industry partner investing in the future of Nova Scotia. For more information about the NSLC, please visit our website at www.myNSLC.com.

For more information:
Arielle Nkongmeneck, MADD Canada Communications Manager, 1-800-665-6233 ext. 240 or ankongmeneck@madd.ca   
Terah McKinnon, Senior Communications Advisor, External Relations, NSLC, 902-450-5847 or media@mynslc.com