The Canadian Anti-Doping Program

The Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) is the custodian of the Canadian Anti-Doping Program (CADP), the set of rules that govern anti-doping in Canada. The CADP consists of several components such as in- and out-of-competition testing, education, medical exemptions, and the consequences of doping violations. The CADP shares the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) vision for a world where all athletes can participate in a doping-free sporting environment and is compliant with the World Anti-Doping Code and all of its associated International Standards.

SFC has adopted the CADP, making SFC athletes part of a world-class anti-doping program that is designed to protect athletes’ rights and ensure a level playing field. SFC’s Anti-Doping Policy and Code of Conduct reflect and support the CADP.

The CADP applies to all members and athlete support personnel. Athletes participating in SFC-sanctioned activities may be selected for doping control testing.

Athletes and support personnel may also be subject to the rules of our international federation. Learn more about ISSF’s anti-doping policies and procedures here.

Competition Manipulation

Competition manipulation is recognized as a major threat to the integrity of sport on a global scale and without measures in place to manage sport betting and corruption, it will continue to grow. The CCES is working with trusted partners to protect the integrity of Canadian sport and to educate the sport community about the risks associated with such activities. For more information, complete Understanding Competition Manipulation, a 15-minute primer course.

Athlete Responsibilities

While all athletes and support personnel should be familiar with the specific rules of the CADP and the Code, there is more each athlete can do to protect themselves and meet the requirements.

Know the rules

  • The 2021 Canadian Anti-Doping Program came into effect on January 1, 2021, and is still sets the current rules. Read more about the CADP.
  • Know your rights and responsibilities as an athlete with regards to anti-doping.
  • If you are notified for doping control, always comply with the testing request.
  • Get the latest news through CCES media releases, advisory notes, and the weekly Ethical Sport Review. Subscribe now.

Live your values 

True Sport is an initiative of the CCES that is designed to give people, communities, and organizations the means to leverage the benefits of good sport, from a platform of shared values and principles. As the values-based sport network leader, the CCES believes that activating the True Sport Principles, on and off the field of play, will contribute to a positive shift in Canadian sport culture. Learn more at truesport.ca.

Check your medications

Check your medications and products to ensure they do not contain banned substances or ingredients. Global DRO provides athletes and support personnel with information about the prohibited status of specific substances based on the current World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List. Access medication data from seven countries. If you need assistance checking the status of a medication, email substances@cces.ca.

If your medication is prohibited in sport, verify your medical exemption requirements using the Medical Exemption Wizard. If you still have questions about your exemption requirements, email tue-aut@cces.ca.

Question supplements

While some supplements can correct nutritional deficiencies, promote recovery, or help achieve peak performance, supplements present a significant risk of inadvertent doping. Avoid supplements if you can.

If you and your medical support personnel agree that you have a need for a supplement:
Learn about how to minimize your risks and make sure any supplements you use are batch-tested by a reliable third-party testing program like NSF Certified for Sport.

Be cannabis smart 

Be aware of cannabis’ prohibited status in sport, including the possibility of positive tests as a result of using CBD medications which contain THC. Special protocols are in place for athletes who use medical cannabis (see information about medical exemptions).
Learn more about Cannabis in Sport here.

Complete your Education 

Athletes in the national athlete pool (NAP) and designated athlete support personnel must complete online education annually. SFC staff will notify designated athletes of the requirements and how to access the required courses. Athletes and Athlete Support Personnel should make every effort to complete the requirements in a timely manner.

Report Doping and Competition Manipulation

Protecting clean and fair sport is a collective responsibility. The CCES provides Canadians with a secure and anonymous means to report suspected doping and competition manipulation, both of which are major threats to good sport.
Coming forward with sensitive information is a big decision, and your courage to raise concerns about doping in sport and/or competition manipulation is valued. You can confidentially send information or evidence to the CCES in one of the four ways below.

Contact the CCES
For additional resources and more about anti-doping, please contact the CCES: