Developing evidence-based public policy is essential for effectively addressing substance use and addiction. CCSA supports this by providing research and expertise, and fostering partnerships to inform decision making. By combining evidence, collaboration, and a focus on health and social equity, CCSA helps create policies that promote public health and safety.
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Policy Briefs and Reports
A policy brief is a concise summary of an issue, presenting policy options and evidence-based recommendations to assist policy makers. CCSA uses policy briefs as a key tool to support informed policy development on substance use and addiction.
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Parliamentary Engagement
As Canada’s leading authority on substance use and addiction, CCSA provides expert guidance while maintaining an independent relationship with the government. By increasing awareness of evidence and best practices, CCSA helps policy makers, professionals and the public address substance-related harms.
Policy and the Regulation of Legal Cannabis
With the federal legalization of cannabis products, each province and territory is responsible for developing its own regulations for sales and distribution. They can add additional restrictions to the legislation. For example, provinces and territories can increase the age of access. Municipalities can also pass bylaws to further regulate the use of cannabis in their local community.
We developed an interactive map to provide a summary of the provincial and territorial cannabis regulations.
Featured Resource
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Policy Brief: Updating the Provisions for Hospitals and Practitioners in Regulations Under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
This submission to Health Canada’s Controlled Substances and Overdose Response Directorate highlights the need to align regulations with modern substance use healthcare practices. Key points include expanding controlled substance activities beyond hospitals, updating regulations to reflect shifts in healthcare delivery and authorizing more healthcare professionals to provide care.
Get to know our team of experts
Alexander Caudarella, MDCM CCFP AM ABAM(d)
CEO
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Karen Cumberland, MPA
Vice President, Strategic Initiatives and Community Outreach
François Gagnon, PhD
Senior Scientist and Special Policy Advisor
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Pam Kent, PhD
Director, Research and Emerging Trends
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Shawna Meister, MA
Associate Director, Innovation and Evidence in Practice
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Adam Sherk, PhD
Senior Scientist and Special Policy Advisor
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Sheena Taha, PhD
Associate Director, Quality and Accountability
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John Weekes, PhD
Director, Knowledge Mobilization and Strategic Partnerships
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Latest CCSA Updates
Harnessing the Power of Community to Tackle the Toxic Drug Crisis
The toxic drug crisis is gripping every part of our country.
The toxic drug crisis is gripping every part of our country.
