Statement from the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction

Ottawa ON, August 4, 2026 — At the request of the Board of the Vienna NGO Committee on Drugs (VNGOC), the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) has prepared the following statement to clarify what funding it provided to the VNGOC in 2025 to support civil society participation in global drug policy.

“On March 31, 2025, CCSA transferred €7,000 (approximately $11,000 Canadian dollars) to the VNGOC to support the participation of several civil society organizations in activities associated with the United Nation’s High-Level Political Forum held in New York in July 2025. This transfer was specifically to ensure appropriate representation from low- and middle-income countries during important health-related discussions. CCSA participated in these activities virtually. Given the global nature and impact of drug policy, CCSA feels that global forums with participation from both supply and demand are critical to help advance best practices and ideas that will better the health and lives of people in Canada and across the rest of the world.

This above is the sole transfer provided to the VNOGC. CCSA did not approve, award, commit, transfer, or administer a €54,000 grant to or on behalf of the VNGOC. Accordingly, any references suggesting that CCSA provided, retained or managed a €54,000 grant for the VNGOC are incorrect.”

About CCSA
CCSA was created by Parliament to provide national leadership to address substance use in Canada. A trusted counsel, we provide national guidance to decision makers by harnessing the power of research, curating knowledge and bringing together diverse perspectives.

CCSA activities and products are made possible through a financial contribution from Health Canada. The views of CCSA do not necessarily represent the views of Health Canada. 

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Media contact
Mélissa Joseph, Strategic Communications Advisor 
Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction
613‑235‑4048 x 364|mjoseph@ccsa.ca