A dangerous and unpredictable illegal drug supply made up of powerful synthetic opioids is driving drug-related deaths and harms across our country. Given the significant risks to public health and safety, the Government of Canada continues to move quickly to detect and disrupt illegal drug trade.
Today, the Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health, announced the launch of the Canadian Drug Analysis Centre (CDAC). This significant investment will transform Canada's drug testing capacity by creating new specialized laboratories in Toronto and Vancouver with advanced analytical capabilities. By strengthening laboratory analysis, the CDAC will help generate new and innovative intelligence to support ongoing efforts to address the illegal drug crisis in Canada.
This investment will provide law enforcement with stronger tools to address the illegal drug crisis. The analysis will go beyond identifying the components of a sample and look at markers, low-level impurities, precursors, and other components linked to the production process. It will help identify trends and patterns related to the origin, distribution, and manufacture of drugs, including insights into how and where they are produced.
This responds to long-standing needs identified by law enforcement and strengthens collaboration across jurisdictions and disciplines. By generating more comprehensive and actionable intelligence, the CDAC supports a more coordinated approach to addressing the illegal drug supply across regions and between law enforcement, public safety and public health partners.
This enhanced capacity will also support law enforcement partners in detecting and disrupting illegal drug markets and trafficking activities and aligns with the Government of Canada's priorities to enhance security and public safety to keep Canadians safe.
