The National Treatment Strategy Working Group (NTSWG) was formed in 2007 under the auspices of the National Framework for Action. The Working Group consisted of members from across jurisdictions and sectors, representing a wide range of expertise and experience.
The NTSWG was mandated to develop a comprehensive report with recommendations to improve substance abuse treatment in Canada. This report, A Systems Approach to Substance Use in Canada: Recommendations for a National Treatment Strategy, was released in November 2008 and is available for download.
The NTSWG was initiated and led by two co-chairs, both representatives of the Canadian Executive Council on Addictions: Gail Czukar, Executive Vice-President of CAMH, and Patrick Smith, Vice-President, Research, Networks and Academic Development, BCMHAS. Their work was supported by Rita Notarandrea, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, CCSA, in her role as Secretariat chair.
CCSA also contributed as a member of the NTSWG. CCSA will continue to work with treatment as a priority by assisting in the implementation of the recommendations made in the report.