FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 26, 2025

OTTAWA, ONTARIO – On February 24, the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) Board of Directors, Commissioner Mike Duheme of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and several CACP committee co-chairs met with Public Safety Minister David McGuinty and Commissioner Kevin Brosseau, Canada’s Fentanyl Czar, to discuss urgent initiatives to combat the fentanyl crisis in Canada.

The group received a fentanyl threat assessment from the Criminal Intelligence Service of Canada (CISC), as well as an overview of the Fentanyl Enforcement Strategy from the Canadian Integrated Response to Organized Crime (CIROC). The working group discussion also involved insight from the CACP’s Drug Advisory, Organized Crime, and International committees, which were complemented by regional situational reports provided by CACP Directors from across the country.

“This meeting was a critical opportunity for police leaders to provide Minister McGuinty and Commissioner Brosseau with the police perspective on the challenges and opportunities related to the detection, disruption, and dismantlement of the fentanyl trade in Canada,” stated CACP President, Commissioner Thomas Carrique.

The police community remains united in their commitment to work together, and with all levels of government, to combat the illegal drug trade at every stage: stopping the flow of precursors, disrupting clandestine laboratories, and dismantling distribution networks. To support law enforcement efforts, police leaders emphasized the need for data sharing, collaboration, and resources. The CACP is also recommending policy and legislative changes regarding precursor importation and sales, prosecutorial capacity/policy, modernizing lawful access legislation, amending the Canada Post Corporation Act as per the provisions of Bill S-256, strengthening port and airport security, and the modernization of Canada’s justice system having regard to the Supreme Court's decision in R. v. Jordan.

The use of illicit drugs is not only dangerous for individuals, but it also negatively impacts public safety in local communities while also supporting transnational organized crime groups who rely on illicit drugs and violence to generate profit.

The CACP committed to continuing this open dialogue with Canada’s Fentanyl Czar as police leaders across Canada continue their coordinated, collaborative, national approach in their fight against fentanyl.

-30-

For further information or to arrange a media interview, please contact:
Natalie Wright | Communications Manager | communications@cacp.ca |613.838.8807

Working Group