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Regulating controlled substances and precursors The new Controlled Substances Regulations were published on December 17, 2025 and will replace the current regulations for controlled substances on October 1, 2026. For more information, please see the Regulatory Impact Analysis…

Clinical trials and drug safety There is an urgent global need for COVID-19 diagnosis, treatment, mitigation or prevention options. Sponsors must apply to conduct a COVID-19 clinical trial in Canada through the Food and Drug Regulations or the interim order No. 2 for clinical…

Safer supply Safer supply refers to providing prescribed medications as a safer alternative to the toxic illegal drug supply to people who are at high risk of overdose. Safer supply services can help prevent overdoses, save lives, and connect people who use drugs to other health…

Benzodiazepines Benzodiazepines are a class of substances often used as sedatives and tranquilizers. Although they are some of the most commonly prescribed medications, there is still a risk of overdose and substance use disorder associated with them. On this page About…

What you need to know about fentanyl exposure We hear a lot about how potent synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl and carfentanil, are. Because of this, there can be a lot of concern about potential exposure to these drugs if you are responding to an overdose, working as a first…

About the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act Download and display the poster on the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act to help raise awareness about the law and the importance of calling 911 or your local emergency number in case of an overdose. Visit Canada.ca/Opioids for more…

Nouvelles du collège des évaluateurs Mise à jour des modules d'apprentissage sur les préjugés dans l'évaluation par les pairs 13 mars 2026 Possibilité pour les chercheurs en début de carrière : appel de déclarations d'intérêt pour le Programme des évaluateurs en formation du…

Audio series on opioids: In Plain Sight In Plain Sight is a Health Canada audio series that explores the personal stories of people affected by the opioid crisis. We are facing a national opioid crisis. It’s affecting our friends, family and community members. While there are…

Samuel's drug addiction story: video Transcript Video Gallery Transcript A photo of a baby Nathalie: Samuel was always a cheerful, playful little boy. A photo of a young boy Nathalie: He was able to get anyone's love right away. He was affectionate. He truly had charisma. A…

Kristina's story as an addiction treatment nurse: video Transcript Video Gallery Transcript A woman alone on a bridge. My name is Kristina St. Pierre, I'm a registered practical nurse that specializes in addiction treatment. She's in slow motion. I've always wanted to be a nurse,…