Heather Burke

Research and Policy Analyst

About Heather

Heather Burke holds a master’s in psychology and is pursuing a PhD in forensic psychology at Carleton University. Her expertise spans illicit drug markets, drug supply chain analysis, organized crime and the evaluation of enforcement responses. 

Since joining CCSA in 2023, Heather has played a leading role in research that provides Public Safety Canada with data-driven analysis of Canada’s illicit drug supply chain, as well as the cost and impact of enforcement responses. Heather brings deep expertise in both quantitative and qualitative research methods and is passionate about advancing public health and safety through applied, interdisciplinary work. 

In addition to her role at CCSA, she is a contract instructor in the Psychology Department at both MacEwan University and Carleton University. 

Outside of her research, Heather is deeply interested in the ethical application of emerging technologies, including AI and open-source intelligence, to advance prevention, intervention, and evidence-based decision-making in public safety and health contexts.

Browse the CCSA Network of Websites

CCSA's Issues of Substance Conference

This biannual, national conference brings together people from across the country, including addiction workers, healthcare professionals, researchers, policy makers, and people with lived and living experience
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Canadian Substance Use Costs and Harms

This project provides comparable and up-to-date data on the costs and harms of substance use in Canada and allows people to explore and analyze the data through its data visualization tool.
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Workforce Competencies

CCSA developed measurable technical and behaviour competencies in knowledge, skills and values for the substance use workforce, providing consistent care across the wide range of settings.
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Drink Less Live More

Canada has new guidance on alcohol and your health. CCSA wants you to be able to make the most informed decisions you can about drinking alcohol.
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Lower Risk Gambling Guidelines

Learn about the world’s first Lower-Risk Gambling Guidelines to help people in Canada make informed decisions about their gambling and lessen their risk of gambling-related harms. Use the Interactive Risk Assessment Tool to assess your personal gambling choices.
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The Highway Home

This interactive website takes an experiential approach to increasing youth’s and young drivers’ awareness of the risks and harms of drug-impaired driving, using real-life scenarios involving cannabis use and driving.
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CECA

CCSA contributes to the strategy development and provides secretariat, financial and support services to the council — a national, non-governmental organization that influences public policy on substance use.
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