CCSA's Research and Policy Division facilitates and contributes to the creation, dissemination and application of knowledge and expertise related to substance use and abuse prevalence, social and economic harms, harm minimization strategies, and approaches to control, prevention and treatment.
The mandate and activities of the Division are intended to increase awareness and promote debate among Canadians with regard to alcohol and drug abuse and the reduction of harm. The Division also aims to initiate and support multi-sectoral and inter-governmental consultation, to contribute to the exchange of information, and to promote realistic and effective policies of national significance by
- updating and addressing gaps in the evidence and understanding of the extent and nature of alcohol and drug problems, and in our knowledge of risk and protective factors, underlying determinants, and associated problems and adverse consequences;
- assessing the effectiveness of control, treatment and prevention policies; and
- fostering collaboration of expertise to avoid duplication.
Key Activities of the Research and Policy Division
- leading and participating in timely and policy-relevant research and analysis on issues of substance use and abuse;
- leading and contributing to the development of policy documents and statements on substance abuse and addiction issues of national significance; and
- developing and fostering networks, brokering relationships, and coordinating efforts among researchers and policy makers in the substance abuse and addictions field