CCSA’s Issues of Substance Conference

CCSA’s Issues of Substance 2025 Conference was an Extraordinary Event!

CCSA’s Issues of Substance 2025 is in the books!  

We would like to express our gratitude to the 941 delegates who joined us in Halifax. Your participation helped make this the largest stand-alone Issues of Substance Conference in history.

A special thank you to everyone who presented their research, posters and personal experiences and to the 30+ exhibitors who filled the hall with innovative products, programs and ideas..

We are so grateful for the support from our sponsors,, including our national sponsor, the Mental Health Commission of Canada, and our provincial sponsor, the Government of Nova Scotia
 

We’re headed to Winnipeg!

CCSA’s Issues of Substance is headed to Canada’s gateway to the West.

Discover a city where innovation, culture and genuine prairie hospitality come together. Join fellow delegates in a dynamic destination known for its award-winning attractions, thriving culinary scene and walkable character-filled downtown.

Don’t just attend the conference — experience a city that surprises, inspires and welcomes you at every turn. See you in 2027!

Conference Info: 
CCSA Issues of Substance 2027
November 3 -5, 2027
RBC Convention Centre

Additional details will become available in summer 2026.
 

Questions 

If you have any questions about the conference, please fill out a contact form with your inquiry.

We look forward to welcoming you in Halifax!
 


Join our mailing list to receive the latest information on the conference directly in your inbox. Sign up through the CCSA website and select “Issues of Substance Conference” from the list of subscription choices.

 

 

What's new?

New: One-day registration at CCSA’s Issues of Substance!

Can’t make it to all three days of our Issues of Substance conference? You can still have an unforgettable experience! …

Important Update: AI-Powered Simultaneous Interpretation at the Issues of Substance Conference

We are pleased to announce that we will be using an AI-powered simultaneous interpretation service at the Issues of Substanc…

Early-Bird Deadline for CCSA’s Issues of Substance Extended to Sept. 29

You asked, we listened: Early-bird rates will continue for an additional 10 days!Great news! Due to overwhelming demand, we'…

All Conference News

Keynote Speakers 

Kendal Weber

Assistant Deputy Minister, Controlled Substances and Cannabis Branch
Health Canada

Dr. Natasha S. Crowcroft

Vice President of the Infectious Diseases and Vaccination Programs
Public Health Agency of Canada

Gina Wilson

Deputy Minister
Indigenous Services Canada

Kevin Brosseau

Canada’s Fentanyl Czar
Privy Council Office

Character Cookie Monster

Special Conference Guest

Len Pierre

Owner & CEO
Len Pierre Consulting

Dr. Jeanette Betancourt, Ed. D.

Senior Vice President for U.S. Social Impact
Sesame Workshop

Asha Abdosh

Municipal Youth Poet Laureate, 2025

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