Calendar of Events

CFIC is continuing our series of Town Hall gatherings. Once a month, we gather on Zoom to discuss a selected topic relevant to our society and our democracy.

Join this month’s discussion via Zoom on May 24th at 8 pm ET.

Addiction in Canada is a major public health issue, driven by high alcohol use, widespread cannabis consumption, and a severe opioid crisis.

• Alcohol is the most commonly used substance, with most Canadians reporting use each year.
• Opioids remain the most deadly issue, causing over 49,000 deaths since 2016 and averaging 21 deaths per day in 2023.
• Cannabis use is common post-legalization, with more than a quarter of Canadians using it annually.
• Stimulant-related harms (e.g., cocaine, methamphetamine) are rising, especially in urban areas.
• Market betting (including sports betting, day trading–style gambling, and online wagering) is recognized as a form of behavioural addiction in Canada, and its harms are significant.

Addiction is closely tied to mental health, with about 50% of people seeking substance use help also experiencing a mental health condition.

In the upcoming town hall, we will discuss “addiction in Canada” and its impact on society and individuals.

Please join the discussion on Zoom on the 24th of May at 8:00 p.m. ET.

These meetings are not planned as webinars; the format will be a moderated discussion in which attendees debate. Our objective is to nurture a culture of respectful and open-minded discussion, thereby fostering democratic and participatory citizenship. We will provide a background document to introduce the topic and will also include some questions, available for download from the CFIC website, a week ahead of the Town Hall meeting.