Launched on March 30, 2007, the Canadian Network of Substance Abuse and Allied Professionals is a valuable, current and no-cost resource for everyone working in the substance abuse field and allied professions.

Developed in response to one of 10 recommendations stemming from the Canadian Addiction Treatment Workforce Survey to support a national agenda for workforce development, the Canadian Network encourages ongoing multi-directional learning, and supports partnership development by facilitating and sustaining a community of practice that spans the continuum of service delivery.

Objectives

• Foster a pan-Canadian community of practice that is inclusive of the full spectrum of substance abuse specialists and other allied professionals who work with Canadians affected by substance;
• Support ongoing professional development;
• Address change management and the "research-to-practice gap" through effective knowledge transfer; and
• Increase access to ongoing professional development and networking opportunities.

Target Audiences

The Canadian Network aims to reach out to and engage with substance abuse specialists delivering services across the continuum of care, including front-line counsellors, clinical supervisors and managers in specialized substance abuse services, as well as allied professionals working in programs not specific to substance abuse.

Key Content

In order to achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the Canadian Network provides a diversity of information, organized in a targeted, easy-to-understand and searchable format. Following are some of the types of content you can expect to find:

• Accessible and timely information on national workforce development initiatives;
• Evidence-informed professional resources;
• Listing of professional development opportunities across Canada;
• News from across the country related to the substance abuse workforce; and
• Employment opportunities from across the country in the field of substance abuse.