Politics on Drugs

Canadian Center for Ethics in the Sport

Canadians want sport to be ethical and fair for all athletes. The CCES is the custodian of Canada’s anti-doping initiative – working to create an environment that matches the expectations of Canadians.

To contribute to values-based sport for Canadians, and to help level the global playing field, the CCES manages the Canadian Anti-Doping Program (CADP), which is the set of rules that govern doping control in Canada.

Compliant with the World Anti-Doping Code and all international standards, the CADP describes how the program is carried out and details the process of results management. It also sets the education standard for values-based sport in Canada.

Our domestic doping control program encompasses all aspects of a comprehensive anti-doping strategy.

• Education is one of the most effective preventative tools in the fight against doping in sport. It ensures that athletes understand their responsibilities and don’t inadvertently break the anti-doping rules or take unnecessary risks. Starting early with an emphasis on values, the True Sport message has proven effective with younger athletes.
• Athlete services provides athletes with the medical support and information they need to comply with the rules. This includes administering the therapeutic use exemption process and answering substance inquiries.
• Test distribution planning ensures the maximum deterrence by determining the most effective number of tests, both in-competition and out-of-competition, across the highest-risk sports. This includes administering the athlete whereabouts program.
• Sample collection is carried out by CCES doping control officers across the country, who follow the stringent doping control procedures outlined in the CADP, adhering to the CCES quality system and health and safety requirements.
• Results management includes anti-doping rule violations, consequences and the appeal systems that are in place to protect athletes’ rights and provide due process.

Version 3.0 of the current CADP came into force on March 1, 2011, and integrates several of the following international and national developments:

• The World Anti-Doping Code and mandatory international standard requirements were formally accepted by the CCES on March 25, 2009. The Code results in stronger anti-doping programs for athletes globally.
• The Canadian Policy Against Doping in Sport (CPADS) was approved by federal, provincial and territorial governments on April 30, 2004 and again in February 2011. The CPADS is committed to safeguarding the integrity and values of sport by deterring the use of banned substances and methods to protect those who commit themselves to sport based on the principles of fair play.
• The Physical Activity and Sport Act was passed on March 19, 2003. It sets out the federal government’s approach to physical activity and sport, and establishes the Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada.
• The Canadian Strategy for Ethical Conduct in Sport – the True Sport Strategy – was signed by federal, provincial and territorial Sport Ministers in April 2002. It calls for a comprehensive domestic anti-doping policy that emphasizes prevention and education and establishes clear roles and responsibilities for all stakeholders, especially governments.

National sport organizations sign on to run their programs in accordance with the rules and policies outlined in the CADP. As a result, their athletes are committed to participating under CADP rules and taking part in clean sport. National organizations who commit to the CADP are eligible for benefits such as subsidies and spots in international competition.

World Anti-Doping Agency

http://www.wada-ama.org/en/

Heritage Canada

http://www.pch.gc.ca/eng/1307468243922/1307468838576