Ottawa, July 5, 2018 — The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) is pleased to announce the appointment of four new directors to the CCSA Board, including a new chair. These are Governor in Council appointments for a minimum three-year period. The new appointees add further depth and expertise to a national board that is recognized for its diverse experience and dedication to reducing the impact of substance use harms on Canadians.

Vaughan Dowie (Chair)

Vaughan Dowie has been appointed the new chair of CCSA’s Board of Directors. Mr. Dowie is the CEO of Pine River Institute, an Ontario residential treatment centre and outdoor leadership experience for youth. He has had more than three decades of experience as a senior manager in public sector and community organizations. Mr. Dowie also served as an assistant deputy minister in three different ministries for the Government of British Columbia. Prior to joining the Pine River Institute, he was the Executive Head of Public Affairs at McGill University in Montreal.

Mr. Dowie also served as president of la Commission de protection des droits de la jeunesse, Montreal, and as executive director of Batshaw Youth and Family Centres in Quebec. He is also the board president of Addictions and Mental Health Ontario. Nationally, he has served as board chair of the Child Welfare League of Canada.

“Mr. Dowie’s proven leadership in both the government and community sectors are invaluable as he takes the helm of the Board of CCSA,” said Rita Notarandrea, CCSA’s Chief Executive Officer. “He has been on the frontlines of government decision making, and in the forefront of the treatment and protection of Canadian youth. Mr. Dowie takes on the role as Chair at a time when the Centre’s valuable independent research and knowledge is crucial to Canadian policy and decision makers.”

Mr. Dowie is a Montreal native who attended Sir George William University and McGill.

Curtis Clark

Curtis Clarke is the Deputy Minister of Education in the Government of Alberta. During his career in the Government of Alberta, he has held a number of positions: Executive Director, Alberta Justice and Solicitor General Staff College; Cabinet Policy Co-coordinator, Executive Council; Assistant Deputy Minister, Correctional Services; and Associate Deputy Solicitor General.

“Dr. Clarke brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our Board,” said Vaughan Dowie, CCSA Board Chair. “As CCSA reaches deeper into substance use issues among students and young people, Dr. Clarke’s educational perspective will be invaluable.”

Prior to joining the Government of Alberta, Dr. Clarke held the position of associate professor and coordinator of the Criminal Justice program at Athabasca University.

In his role as president of the Canadian Association of Police Educators, board member of the National Police Sector Council and a founding member of the INTERPOL Group of Experts in Training, he has helped to design and implement national and international models of competency-based curriculum design and delivery.

“We are so pleased to have Dr. Clarke on our Board,” said Rita Notarandrea, CCSA’s Chief Executive Officer. “In addition to his provincial educational perspective, Dr. Clarke adds another dimension to the CCSA Board with his extensive experience in key areas of CCSA’s work, including corrections, as well as national and international law enforcement training.”

Dr. Clarke is a graduate of Queen’s University (BA Hon, MA, Sociology) and York University (PhD, Sociology). He has recently completed a certificate program in High Intensity Leadership from Cornell University and an executive program on Applying Behavioural Insights to the Design of Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School.

Christopher Cull

Christopher Cull is a filmmaker and the founder of Inspire by Example. In 2014, he cycled from Victoria, British Columbia, to St. John’s, Newfoundland, to raise awareness about prescription drug addiction. As he crossed Canada, Mr. Cull filmed his journey and spoke with community leaders, patients and people along the way. His is a Governor in Council appointment for a minimum three-year period. “Chris certainly inspires by example,” said CCSA Board Chair, Vaughan Dowie. “He brings a passion and enthusiasm to CCSA. I know he will be an inspiration to all of us around the board table.”

Mr. Cull hopes his journey through opioid addiction and recovery, and then cycling across Canada will assist users and families in need of support.

“Learning from those who have lived through problematic substance use and recovery is an important part of what we do at CCSA,” said Rita Notarandrea, CCSA’s Chief Executive Officer. “Having Chris on our board will not only inform our research in lived and living experience, it will motivate it. Chris brings his experience and adds the voices of all those people he listened to in his incredible ride across Canada.” Mr. Cull is a nationally recognized public speaker and has advised numerous institutions and organizations on issues around the prevention and treatment of drug addiction. In 2016, he bicycled across Canada a second time to raise awareness about the opioid crises and to demonstrate to others that recovery is possible.

Renu Kapoor

This is Renu. Kapoor’s second term on the CCSA Board. She served from 2013 to 2016. She spent most of her career in social work, working for the Regina Health District for 37 years. She is a recognized community leader in Saskatchewan.

“Ms. Kapoor’s extensive background in social work will be important in the CCSA’s consideration of the impact substance use has on the family.” CCSA Board Chair Vaughan Dowie said. “I look forward to working alongside her at the board table.”

Ms. Kapoor was born, raised and educated in India. Her special interest in multiculturalism led her to a number of volunteer roles. In 2011, she was chosen as Chair for the Year of India in Regina — a special project created by the governments of India and Saskatchewan. She has also been an Honourary Ambassador Mosaic in Regina. She currently serves as chair of Cultural Connections Regina.

“It is wonderful to welcome Renu back to the CCSA board table,” said Rita Notarandrea, Chief Executive Officer of CCSA. “Her deep understanding of community and volunteerism, and her passion for multiculturalism are an asset to CCSA and what we do.”

Ms. Kapoor holds an MA in social work from the University of Wisconsin. She serves on the board of the Regina Airport Authority, as well as the board of Community Foundations of Canada.

About CCSA

CCSA was established in 1988 by an Act of Parliament with all-party support to provide national leadership in reducing the harms of alcohol and other drugs.

CCSA’s Board of Directors is comprised of 13 members. The Chair and four members are appointed by the Governor in Council of Canada. The remaining members-at-large are recruited by the Board from a number of sectors, including the business community, health professional groups and professional and voluntary organizations. Board members serve a three-year term, which can be extended for up to two additional terms.