Call to Action and 2026 priorities announced by the Community Drug Strategy for Greater Sudbury
The Greater Sudbury Community Drug Strategy has released a Call to Action and priorities for 2026, marking the next step forward in the collective response to the toxic drug crisis. The Call to Action and 2026 priorities reflect the voices of community members and people with past and current experience with substance use, and set out clear goals to reduce substance-related harms and promote health and equity across Greater Sudbury.
The 2026 priorities outlined in the Call to Action include:
- Improve coordinated care for all substance use needs
- Reduce stigma and promote health for people of all ages
- Strengthen basic needs services and support in housing
The Call to Action also introduces an annual report card highlighting achievements, challenges, areas for improvement, and progress toward priorities. The Community Drug Strategy will evaluate its work to ensure it is implemented as intended, remains aligned with its mission and vision, and is responding to community needs while addressing harms related to substance use.
This work builds on years of collaboration and evidence-informed efforts. Two new advisory committees, including the Indigenous Advisory Committee and People with Lived and Living Experience Advisory Committee are also being introduced to help create a safer, more inclusive space for collaboration and meaningful input into the strategy.
The Community Drug Strategy also welcomes Tyler Campbell from the City of Greater Sudbury as the new co‑chair, alongside Dr. Mustafa Hirji of Public Health Sudbury & Districts. Together, they will help lead continued collaboration across sectors to strengthen coordinated, equitable responses to substance use in our community.
The toxic drug crisis continues to impact families and communities across Greater Sudbury. This call to action is another step forward, one that centres on compassion, evidence, and equity. We are committed to reducing substance-related harms through coordinated care, stigma reduction, and upstream prevention. By listening to the voices of those most impacted and working across sectors, we can build a community where everyone has the opportunity for health, safety, and inclusion,
said Dr. Mustafa Hirji, Medical Officer of Health and Chief Executive Officer, Public Health Sudbury & Districts.
This call to action reminds us that substance use is not an isolated health concern, but a community issue often influenced by housing insecurity, poverty, trauma, and systemic inequity. It challenges us to move beyond fragmented responses toward systems that are compassionate, inclusive, and just. Through wrap-around supports, Indigenous-led initiatives, and meaningful engagement with people who have lived and living experience, we are creating pathways to healing and belonging. We call on all sectors to stand with us and be part of the solution,
said Tyler Campbell, General Manager of Community and Well-being for the City of Greater Sudbury.
To show its ongoing commitment to community well-being, the Community Drug Strategy has also released a new Position Statement: Harm Reduction—A Key Component of a Comprehensive Substance Use Approach. This statement highlights our support for comprehensive approaches to substance use, including access to treatment and harm reduction services, and explains why these evidence-based practices are an important part of reducing substance related harms in the community we serve. The Community Drug Strategy will continue to advocate for stronger, more accessible, and effective treatment pathways and programs.
Visit https://gscds.ca to learn more about the Community Drug Strategy and how you can help build a safer, healthier Greater Sudbury. We are actively seeking participation from community members, caregivers, and families, and welcome everyone who wants to get involved. If you are interested in joining or learning more about the Community Drug Strategy, the Indigenous Advisory Committee, or the People with Lived and Living Experience Advisory Committee, reach out anytime by filling out our online form.