Who handles substance use & addiction?
Substance Use & Addiction
Substance use policy is shared. Federal controls the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, provinces fund treatment programs, and municipalities manage local harm reduction services.
⚠️ Shared Jurisdiction: This area involves multiple levels of government. The information below shows the primary responsibility at each level, but overlap is common. When in doubt, start with the level most directly related to your issue.
Federal
Parliament of Canada
- ● Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
- ● Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy
- ● Supervised consumption site exemptions
- ● Cannabis regulation (federal framework)
💡 Example: Contact Health Canada about drug policy, or your MP about substance use strategy.
Provincial
Provincial Legislature
- ● Provincial addictions treatment programs
- ● Harm reduction services
- ● Provincial drug strategy
- ● Opioid response programs
💡 Example: Contact your provincial addictions services, or your MPP/MLA about treatment access.
Municipal
City / Town Hall
- ● Local harm reduction programs
- ● Community substance use services
- ● Municipal by-law enforcement
💡 Example: Contact local harm reduction services, or your councillor about community programs.
Quick Reference — Who to Contact
🏛️ Federal
Your Member of Parliament (MP)
🏢 Provincial
Your MPP, MLA, or MNA
🏘️ Municipal
Your City Councillor
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