Forward Regulatory Plan 2021-2023: Proposed New Regulations under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act with respect to Supervised Consumption Sites and Services
Title of Regulatory Initiative
Proposed New Regulations under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act with respect to Supervised Consumption Sites and Services
Enabling Act
Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
Description
Health Canada is proposing to develop new regulations under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) that would seek to:
- Establish supervised consumption sites (SCS) and services within Canada’s overall harm-reduction framework, consistent with the public health objectives of the CDSA;
- Establish clear federal regulatory controls, consistent with the public safety objectives of the CDSA;
- Reduce the overall regulatory burden on SCS applicants and operators, where appropriate; and
- Provide greater certainty and permanence for SCS operators, better ensuring the continuity of supervised consumption services in Canada.
Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic and international)
Not applicable
Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses
Problematic substance use has devastating impacts across Canada, on individuals, families and communities. Evidence shows that when properly established and operated, SCS save lives and can provide people who use drugs with access to important health and social services, including substance use treatment for those who are ready.
It is anticipated that these potential new regulations would reduce the overall regulatory burden on SCS applicants and operators, while continuing to respect the public safety objectives of the CDSA.
Stakeholders that may be impacted by the change include: supervised consumption site and overdose prevention site applicants and operators, people with lived and living experience, health professionals, provinces and territories, and communities, law enforcement, and provinces, territories, and municipalities.
Consultations
Canadians were invited to provide comments on a Notice of Intent, which was published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, on August 15, 2020, for a 60-day public comment period that ended on October 14, 2020. All feedback received through this consultation will inform the development of the potential new regulations.
Canadians will have the opportunity to provide comments on the regulatory proposal during the Canada Gazette, Part I public comment period, which is expected to take place in fall 2021.
Further information
Additional information can be requested from the departmental contact.
Departmental contact information
Jennifer Pelley
Acting Director
Office of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs
Controlled Substances Directorate
Controlled Substances and Cannabis Branch
Health Canada
Telephone: 613-410-1829
Email: hc.csd.regulatory.policy-politique.reglementaire.dsc.sc@canada.ca
Date the regulatory initiative was first included in the Forward Regulatory
February 2021
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