Health Minister Jane Philpott says Canada will introduce legislation in the spring of next year to begin the process of legalizing and regulating marijuana.

Philpott says Canada's plan on pot "challenges the status quo in many countries," but is convinced it is the best way to protect youth while enhancing public safety.

She made the comments during an impassioned speech at the United Nations, but offered no other details.

Philpott says Canada must do better when it comes to drug policy, noting the government's approach will be rooted in scientific evidence to address the devastating consequences of drugs and drug-related crimes.

Philpott says she recently heard an emotional story from a mother who lost her daughter due to substance abuse.

She says the woman described watching her daughter "slip away" as she struggled to access treatment and services that should have been available to save what Philpott calls a "beautiful, fragile life."