Increasing Awareness and Understanding of Problematic Substance Use Reducing Alcohol-Related Harms Addressing Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Preventing the Problematic Use of Pharmaceuticals Addressing Enforcement Issues Sustaining Workforce Development Implementing a National Research Agenda and Facilitating Knowledge Transfer Improving the quality, accessibility and range of options to treat harmful substance use including substance use disorders (Treatment) Modernizing Legislative, Regulatory and Policy Frameworks Focusing on Children and Youth Reaching Out to Canada’s North Supporting First Nations, Inuit and Métis People in Addressing Their Needs Responding to Offender-Related Issues Raising Public Awareness About Addictions: Creating Momentum for Action National Alcohol Policy Thematic Workshop National Thematic Workshop on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Preventing the Harmful Use of Psychotropic Pharmaceuticals National Thematic Workshop on Enforcement Police and Policing Partners: Supply Management and Demand Reduction Workforce Development Thematic Workshop National Thematic Workshop on Research National Thematic Workshop on Improving the Quality, Accessibility, and Range of Options to Treat Harmful Substance Use Including Substance Use Disorders (Treatment) National Thematic Workshop on Corrections National Symposium on Language
 
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About the National Framework for Action to Reduce the Harms Associated with Alcohol and Other Drugs and Substances in Canada

The National Framework for Action to Reduce the Harms Associated with Alcohol and Other Drugs and Substances in Canada responds to calls issued by Canadians, their Governments and non-governmental organizations for a more coordinated approach to meeting the challenges posed by the harms associated with alcohol and other drugs and substances.

Developed collaboratively by individuals representative of governments, enforcement agencies, Aboriginal service providers, NGOs, academia, the medical community, and others involved with problematic substance use issues, the Framework is the culmination of some two years of Canada-wide consultations spearheaded by Health Canada, its federal partners – Public   Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada, and the Department of Justice Canada – and the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse. 

The Circle of Partners


The National Framework is, at its core, a collective conviction that a national framework to reduce the harms associated with alcohol and other drugs and substances is necessary, practical and – most of all – achievable. 

The National Framework encourages active collaboration and coordinated efforts, increases possibilities for support at all levels and across all sectors, enables better planning and utilization of resources and establishes a common frame of reference - to achieve the most beneficial results for the greatest number of people.

Shared ownership of the Framework

  • Provides opportunities for leaders to emerge
  • Enables all to forge partnerships in developing new strategic action plans or strengthen existing ones
  • Provides a unique opportunity to create strong, multilateral partnerships that combine individual strengths and experiences that lead towards achievement of the Framework's vision

The Consultations 2004-2005

Cross-Canada roundtable meetings

Fredericton, with representatives from all four Atlantic provinces; Toronto; Winnipeg, with Manitoba and Saskatchewan participants; Edmonton; Vancouver; Whitehorse, with representatives from Yukon and Northwest Territories; and Iqaluit. Two additional roundtables were held in Ottawa, one for representatives of national non-governmental organizations and one for federal partners.     

 National Forum June 2005

More than 100 representatives from governments, NGOs, academia, the medical community, aboriginal program service providers, policing/enforcement and private sector organizations reached consensus on wording for the first edition of the National Framework.

The Framework partners are now seeking endorsement for the Framework by their ministers, boards and governing bodies.  CCSA and Health Canada are continuing to act as an informal secretariat, promoting endorsement and application of the Framework and facilitating thematic workshops and strategic actions on priorities, as well as disseminating relevant information.