Statement: Renewing a Commitment to Collaboration

The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction and the Mental Health Commission of Canada signed a renewed memorandum of understanding on November 9, 2026, issuing the following joint statement:

“The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) and the Mental Health Commission of Canada (the Commission) have renewed their memorandum of understanding, reaffirming a long-standing commitment to working together to improve mental health and substance use health outcomes for people in Canada. Through this collaboration, both organizations can leverage expertise and networks to bring about meaningful change and improve wellness for individuals and their communities.

While our organizations have collaborated for many years, both with and without a formal agreement, this renewed MOU reflects our shared belief that the challenges facing people in Canada are best addressed through partnership.

Mental health and substance use health are deeply interconnected. Many people experience challenges in these areas together, and they require coordinated, person-centred approaches that recognize the complexity of people’s lives. By bringing together our respective expertise, CCSA and the Commission can strengthen knowledge exchange, inform policy discussions, support innovation, and advance practical solutions that better serve people and communities across Canada.

Our collaboration already extends across a range of initiatives. Most recently, the CCSA and the Commission partnered to develop Canada’s first guidance for the responsible use of artificial intelligence in mental health and substance use health. This work is helping establish practical criteria grounded in trust and explainability, human-centred care, equity, and data governance, demonstrating how our organizations can work together to address emerging opportunities and challenges in health care. 

This renewed agreement is not simply about formalizing a partnership. It is about affirming our continued commitment to collaboration, recognizing that meaningful progress happens when organizations work together toward shared goals.

We look forward to building on our partnership in the years ahead.”

About CCSA

CCSA was created by Parliament to provide national leadership to address substance use in Canada. A trusted counsel, we provide national guidance to decision makers by harnessing the power of research, curating knowledge and bringing together diverse perspectives. CCSA activities and products are made possible through a financial contribution from Health Canada. The views of CCSA do not necessarily represent the views of Health Canada.

About the Commission

The Mental Health Commission of Canada is a  pan-Canadian, not-for-profit organization that connects evidence, knowledge, and lived experience to provide actionable insights and solutions that advance mental health and improve lives. Guided by our vision of Strong Evidence. Strong Solutions. Strong Mental Health. We deliver on our mission by enabling collective action, informing solutions and decision-making, transforming knowledge and building capacity.  

Media contacts

Mélissa Joseph, Strategic Communications Advisor 
Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction
613 235 4048 x 364
mjoseph@ccsa.ca 

Debra Yearwood, Director, Marketing and Communications
Mental Health Commission of Canada
613-402-9080
mediaphone@mentalhealthcommission.ca