Drug & Alcohol Testing Industry News
London street drugs getting stronger and cheaper
According to a recent article published by CBC News, individuals who use fentanyl on the streets of London have reported it becoming more potent and cheaper than ever, thereby increasing the risk of opioid overdose and death. "I really believe it's getting stronger,"...
Huge methamphetamine seizure in Vancouver
Earlier in June, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced it seized 6,300 kilograms of methamphetamine hidden in jugs labelled as canola oil in Metro Vancouver over the last six months. Specifically, one of the seizures of the drug was the largest-ever...
Alcohol policies across Canada receive a failing grade
According to the findings released in a report published by the Canadian Alcohol Policy Evaluation project (CAPE) and the University of Victoria's Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research (CISUR), alcohol control policies in all 13 provinces and territories have...
Federal court approves random testing at nuclear facilities
On June 6, 2023, the Federal Court endorsed the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission’s move to require pre-placement and random alcohol and drug testing of workers in safety-critical positions at high-security nuclear facilities, as mandated by CNSC regulatory document...
Hamilton health board approves new opioid pilot program
Earlier in June, Hamilton's Public Health Board unanimously voted to implement a new action plan created to address the ongoing opioid crisis. Specifically, the plan includes an 18-month pilot project which aims to prevent overdose deaths in the city. According to...
Drug testing and alert system introduced for Irish festivals
Earlier in May, Ireland’s Health Service Executive (HSE) announced the launch of its new drug harm-reduction campaign for music festivals. The program originated as a drug testing pilot that was first introduced at the Electric Picnic music festival in 2022, and will...
Motion against safe supply voted down
On May 29, MPs of the House of Commons defeated the motion presented by Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre to end safe drug policies with a vote of 209 to 113. Poilievre introduced the motion to the House of Commons earlier in May, urging the Liberal government to...
Northern Ontario EMS try new opioid treatment program
Earlier in May, the Ontario Ministry of Health gave its approval to Cochrane District EMS to administer the medication buprenorphine-naloxone, also known by its brand name Suboxone.Suboxone is classified as a narcotic and Cochrane District is the first paramedic...
All about oral fluid webinar coming June 29
DATAC is proud to announce our second webinar of 2023, All About Oral Fluid! The landscape of drug and alcohol testing within North America is always changing and evolving and we are here with knowledgeable speakers to help you navigate those changes. The big news...