Student drug use surveys provide an essential source of information about the prevalence and frequency of substance use, associated harms, socio-demographic correlates, and identification of high-risk groups in a youth population. Student surveys that ask about drug use are conducted intermittently in 8 of 10 provinces. Unfortunately, there is large variability in methodologies employed and information obtained across jurisdictions, thereby limiting opportunities for inter-regional comparisons and bench-marking.

The Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse (CCSA), in partnership with national and provincial organizations from nine provinces and two territories, is working toward development of core indicators to be included as a recommended minimum standard in province/territory-specific student surveys as well as guidelines toward standardized methodology across jurisdictions. In addition, technical support will be provided for development and implementation of student drug use surveys in provinces and territories where they are not currently conducted.

A national report on student drug use will be published based on the core indicators selected by the group. This report will include estimates of student drug use from each of the provinces that conduct these surveys.