Consultation - Proposed Regulations Amending Regulations under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act with Respect to the Issuance of Licences and Permits

Health Canada (HC) is proposing amendments to regulations under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA). Regulations under CDSA set out the framework governing activities with controlled substances and precursors in Canada, including their production, sale, provision, importation, and exportation, including sections outlining licence and permit regimes for the conduct of activities with applicable classes of substances. Since the CDSA was enacted in 1996, the legitimate controlled substances and precursor industries, as well as the illicit drug market, have evolved significantly. This has led to a number of gaps being identified within the regulatory framework for controlled substances and precursors that need to be addressed to enhance compliance with the Act and its regulations.

Within this context, a series of amendments to the Narcotic Control Regulations (NCR), the Benzodiazepines and Other Targeted Substances Regulations (BOTSR), Parts G and J of the Food and Drug Regulations (FDR-G and FDR-J) and the Precursor Control Regulations (PCR) are proposed to modernize this regime and increase its effectiveness in protecting public health and maintaining public safety.

Proposed amendments are outlined in a Notice to Interested Parties (NTIP) which provides Canadians with the opportunity to comment on the proposed changes. The NTIP was published in the Canada Gazette on May 23, 2015, initiating a 30-day comment period. See the  Notice to interested parties and Policy Documents for further details.