Ontario is pumping $15 million into programs to expand treatment for people addicted to prescription narcotics, such as oxycodone.

Health minister Deb Matthews said Ontario has the distinction of having the highest rate of prescription narcotic use in the country- around two to four times higher than any other in the province.

Matthews said the new funding will help in treating pregnant women and mothers as well as aboriginal communities

Furthermore, she said it will also provide better early detection by expanding monitoring and emergency departments and public health units.

Matthews also noted that province is already monitoring narcotics prescriptions to flag any possible abuses of the drug.