Colleagues, it is an enormous privilege to welcome representatives of two important organizations to the Senate gallery today: Mr. Alexis Goosdeel, Executive Director of the European Union Drugs Agency, or EUDA, and his accompanying delegation, and Dr. Alexander Caudarella, Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction, along with representatives of this organization.

These two organizations are at the forefront of critical global efforts to address one of the most pressing public health and mental health challenges of our time. Substance use and addiction do not discriminate. They affect individuals, families and communities across all regions and socio-economic backgrounds, both here in Canada and around the world. The societal, health, justice, economic and human costs are enormous. It is estimated that 67,000 deaths per year are attributable to substance use in Canada and it costs Canada $46 billion annually.

For over 30 years, the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction, or CCSA, has played a pivotal role in shaping national strategies, policies and research that guide our country’s response to substance use and addiction.

I would like to highlight some of their innovative work from a recent press release:

. . . In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Timmins Summit saw elected leaders of small cities, health officials, service providers, drug policy experts, public safety providers and natural resource industry leaders develop the structure of the first municipally led, integrated standards for healthy and safe communities.

The European Union Drugs Agency, or EUDA, fosters international cooperation and strengthens global responses to drug-related challenges through an unparalleled level of data sharing and research collaboration. Their ability to unite 27 countries in a common cause reminds us that the fight against substance use is not bound by borders, but it is truly a global concern. Of particular interest to the EUDA is Canada’s experience with cannabis legalization and community collaboration.

We must continue to advocate for policies that prioritize mental health, substance abuse and addiction parity, embrace harm reduction and place the dignity and well-being of individuals and community collaboration at the centre of our strategies.

To our esteemed guests, thank you for your tireless efforts and for the hope you bring to those who need it most.

Thank you, meegwetch.