GOC authorities continue to believe that precursor and essential chemicals are diverted to illicit drug manufacturers, and that a portion enters the United States at land border crossings. The precursor chemicals involved are used mainly in the manufacture of methamphetamine. Status of Country Canada's solid institutions, responsive government, fair judiciary, and competent law enforcement agencies have fostered public respect for the law. As a result, narcotics abuse has remained a manageable problem. The GOC emphasizes demand reduction, but is also active in domestic and international supply control efforts.
Cannabis remains the principal illicit substance of abuse in Canada.
Authorities estimate a population of over 250,000 cocaine users and approximately 35,000-40,000 heroin users in Canada. Country Actions Against Drugs in 1995 Policy Initiatives. The House of Commons passed a bill in the Fall of 1995 that would bring Canada's drug control legislation further into compliance with the 1988 UN Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, which Canada ratified in 1990. The bill provides a comprehensive framework for controlling the import, production, export, distribution and use of illicit substances, and provides procedures for the seizure and forfeiture of proceeds from narcotics-related offenses. Agreements and Treaties.