Health and Public Safety

What We Do

Substance use and addiction impact public health, safety, and policy in Canada. CCSA addresses key issues such as impaired driving, workforce development, and policy through research, resources, and collaboration. By providing evidence-based insights and supporting professionals in the field, CCSA helps shape policies that promote health, equity, and public safety.

Group of staff chatting.

Impaired Driving

Impaired driving is a major cause of serious crashes in Canada, with alcohol and drug impairment posing significant risks. CCSA addresses this issue through research, tools and resources to support evidence-based decisions and public policy.

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Policy

Strong, evidence-based policy is key to addressing substance use and addiction. CCSA supports this by providing research and expertise and fostering partnerships to inform decision making. Through collaboration, CCSA ensures policies prioritize health, equity and public safety.

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Workforce Development

Workers in the substance use health and addiction field face unique challenges in providing timely and effective care. CCSA conducts research and develops materials to support professional development and address these challenges.

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Workplace Safety

Substance use can significantly impact the workplace, affecting employers, employees and the public through lost productivity, low morale and safety concerns. Employers should focus on prevention, education and reducing stigma, while using appropriate resources to support employees and developing comprehensive policies to address impairment in the workplace.

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Get to know our team of experts

Alexander Caudarella, MDCM CCFP AM ABAM(d)

CEO

Area of Expertise:

  • Harm Reduction
  • Opioids
  • Recovery
  • Treatment
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Karen Cumberland, MPA

Vice President, Strategic Initiatives and Community Outreach​

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François Gagnon, PhD

Senior Scientist and Special Policy Advisor

Area of Expertise:

  • Alcohol
  • Cannabis
  • Gambling
  • Harm Reduction
  • Policy
  • More Area of Expertise
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Pam Kent, PhD

Director, Research and Emerging Trends

Area of Expertise:

  • Cannabis
  • Mental Health
  • SGBA+
  • Substance Use Costs
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Shawna Meister, MA

Associate Director, Innovation and Evidence in Practice

Area of Expertise:

  • Impaired Driving
  • Workplace
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Adam Sherk, PhD

Senior Scientist and Special Policy Advisor

Area of Expertise:

  • Alcohol
  • Policy
  • Substance Use Costs
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Aisha Giwa, PhD

Knowledge Broker

Area of Expertise:

  • Cannabis
  • Impaired Driving
  • Mental Health
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Anat Ziv, PhD

Research & Policy Analyst

Area of Expertise:

  • Substance Use Costs
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Bryce Barker, PhD, CE

Senior Knowledge Broker

Area of Expertise:

  • Alcohol
  • Youth
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Contact an Expert

Get to know our experts at CCSA. Whether it is alcohol, cannabis, stigma, opioids, or any another topic related to substance use and addiction, our team of professionals is available to provide their knowledge expertise. Browse our staff profiles to find the right expert to meet your specific needs.
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Latest CCSA Updates

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News

CCSA hosting mayors from across Canada to address impact of the substance use crisis on small cities

The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) is gathering mayors of small cities in Lethbridge, Alta., to continue work on the first municipally led, integrated standards for…

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News
Harnessing the Power of Community to Tackle the Toxic Drug Crisis
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News
Statement: Public health and safety key to addressing fentanyl crisis
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News
OPENING REMARKS BEFORE THE HOUSE OF COMMONS STANDING COMMITTEE ON HEALTH
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Keep informed with Addiction News Daily and the CCENDU newsletter, alerts, and bulletins

CCSA is pleased to offer the opportunity to sign up to receive news and publications on substance use trends, helping to reduce harm by supporting evidence-informed decisions.
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Browse the CCSA Network of Websites

CCSA's Issues of Substance Conference

This biannual, national conference brings together people from across the country, including addiction workers, healthcare professionals, researchers, policy makers, and people with lived and living experience
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Canadian Substance Use Costs and Harms

This project provides comparable and up-to-date data on the costs and harms of substance use in Canada and allows people to explore and analyze the data through its data visualization tool.
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Workforce Competencies

CCSA developed measurable technical and behaviour competencies in knowledge, skills and values for the substance use workforce, providing consistent care across the wide range of settings.
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Drink Less Live More

Canada has new guidance on alcohol and your health. CCSA wants you to be able to make the most informed decisions you can about drinking alcohol.
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Lower Risk Gambling Guidelines

Learn about the world’s first Lower-Risk Gambling Guidelines to help people in Canada make informed decisions about their gambling and lessen their risk of gambling-related harms. Use the Interactive Risk Assessment Tool to assess your personal gambling choices.
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The Highway Home

This interactive website takes an experiential approach to increasing youth’s and young drivers’ awareness of the risks and harms of drug-impaired driving, using real-life scenarios involving cannabis use and driving.
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CECA

CCSA contributes to the strategy development and provides secretariat, financial and support services to the council — a national, non-governmental organization that influences public policy on substance use.
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