Anonymous drug testing at the Royal Military College of Canada (RMCC) and the Royal Military College Saint-Jean (RMC Saint-Jean) has determined that the vast majority of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members at both schools do not use drugs. The blind drug tests were conducted on students and staff in October 2016 as part of the ongoing CAF Drug Control Program.
Quotes
“The results of these drug tests are largely favourable, indicating that our Canadian Armed Forces Drug Control Program and related initiatives are working. However, there is still work to do, as any use of prohibited drugs in the Canadian Armed Forces is unacceptable.”
Major-General Wayne Eyre, Deputy Commander, Military Personnel Command
“We are charged with the successful development and education of the officers of tomorrow, a responsibility that we take very seriously. We have some of the best and brightest attending our Military Colleges every year and we want to ensure the safest environment for them.”
Brigadier-General Steve Whelan, Commander, Military Personnel Generation
Quick Facts
Participants were tested for the use of a variety of substances such as marijuana, cocaine, codeine, morphine, hydromorphone, amphetamine and fentanyl.
Out of the 1211 RMCC members tested, 27 participants or 2.2% tested positive for one or more substances. Of these, marijuana was the most prevalent substance with 19 or 1.6 % having tested positive.
Out of the 226 RMC Saint-Jean members tested, three participants or 1.3% tested positive for one or more substances with no indication of a specific drug concern.
When comparing with recent tests conducted at other units within the CAF or within the Canadian population, these percentages appear to be lower. However, these results cannot be generalized due to differences in sampling methodology.
The Department of National Defence (DND) and the CAF are committed to ensuring a drug-free and healthy environment for all employees and military members, including students, staff and faculty at both of our Military Colleges.
The CAF has a zero tolerance policy with respect to prohibited drug use. Blind Testing is part of the continuing process to evaluate the prevalence of drug use in the CAF. The results help to evaluate the effectiveness of the CAF Drug Control Program, as well as guide education and intervention efforts.
