Controlled Substances and Cannabis Branch: Controlled Substances and Overdose Response Directorate
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About
The Controlled Substances and Overdose Response Directorate administers and monitors compliance with the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and its regulations. This allows legitimate activities with controlled substances and precursors, while at the same time reducing the risk that such substances will be used for illegal purposes. The directorate also leads the federal Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy, Canada’s comprehensive and compassionate response to substance-related harms and the overdose crisis.
Responsibilities
The directorate is responsible for:
- supporting the design and implementation of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and its regulations
- administering and monitoring compliance with the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and its regulations
- leading the development, implementation and oversight of the federal Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy
- developing strategic advice and recommendations to guide the federal response to the overdose crisis in order to:
- identify and coordinate collaborative action
- reduce stigma towards people who use drugs
- encourage intergovernmental collaboration through bilateral and multilateral engagements
- providing advice on policy and regulatory direction related to substance use and the overdose crisis supported by a coordinated approach to research, data collection and evidence in collaboration with stakeholders
Directorate and functions
The directorate’s organizational structure includes the following units.
Director General’s Office
The Director General’s Office is accountable for leadership, direction and expertise related to substance use and the overdose crisis. The Director General’s Office also acts as the office of primary interest in the health portfolio for the Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy.
Office of Drug and Overdose Response Policy
The Office of Drug and Overdose Policy is responsible for the development, analysis, implementation, oversight, coordination and reporting of the federal Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy. The office leads, coordinates and provides overall support and advice on:
- international relations
- parliamentary business
- strategic policy and coordination
- federal, provincial, territorial relations
Office of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs
The Office of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs develops legislation, regulations, policy analysis and science-based assessments that support the control of psychoactive substances and precursors under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. This office also provides a status confirmation service, a public service that confirms if a substance is controlled in Canada.
Office of Strategic Initiatives and Engagement
The Office of Strategic Initiatives and Engagement is responsible for providing in-depth analysis on the overdose crisis and substance use harms. It leads targeted federal policy initiatives, including on chronic pain, alcohol, and substance use services. The office also supports the directorate in engagement and advancing strategic initiatives.
Office of Controlled Substances
The Office of Controlled Substances is responsible for administering and monitoring compliance with the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and its regulations. This allows legitimate activities with controlled substances and precursors, while at the same time reducing the risk that such substances will be used for illegal purposes. The office issues different authorizations such as licences, registrations, permits and exemptions.
Office of Drug Research and Surveillance
The Office of Drug Research and Surveillance is responsible for monitoring trends and patterns related to substance use in Canada, including alcohol, prescription drugs and illegal drug use. The office conducts surveillance and research activities on the public health impacts of substances. The data and information generated provide an evidence-based platform for decision-making and policy development processes, and also contribute to the fulfilment of the government's international reporting obligations for substance use in Canada.
Contact us
Email: hc.cscb_csd_dgo_tasking-tache_bdg_dsc_dgscc.sc@hc-sc.gc.ca