Federal ‘fentanyl czar’ meets with Ottawa Police Service

Canada's "fentanyl czar" Kevin Brosseau meets with members of the Ottawa Police Service. March 12, 2025. (Privy Council Office/X)

Canada’s “fentanyl czar”, Kevin Brosseau, met with members of the Ottawa Police Service this week to discuss national and local issues related to the trafficking of the drug at the heart of the overdose crisis.

The Privy Council Office said Thursday that Brosseau was briefed by Ottawa Police Deputy Chief Trish Ferguson on the police service’s work in a meeting on Wednesday.

The Ottawa Police Service said in a statement to CTV News Ottawa that it remains committed to tackling the fentanyl trade.

“Yesterday, Deputy Chief Patricia Ferguson and members of the OPS team met with Canada’s Fentanyl Czar, Kevin Brosseau, for a substantive discussion on the challenges Ottawa faces—from street-level enforcement to large-scale fentanyl seizures,” the statement said.

“During the meeting, OPS provided an overview of the current landscape of fentanyl trafficking in Ottawa, highlighting recent trends, enforcement efforts, and the significant dangers posed by this deadly drug. Mr. Brosseau, who is working closely with police agencies across Canada, shared insights on national efforts to cut off supply chains, disrupt trafficking networks, and hold those driving the illicit trade accountable.”

Brosseau, a former senior Mountie, was tapped to lead Canada’s response to fentanyl trafficking after U.S. President Donald Trump cited quantities of the drug coming from Canada as justification for imposing tariffs on Canadian goods.

“Confronting the threat posed by fentanyl requires collaboration at every level of government and law enforcement,” said Ferguson in a statement. “The OPS is committed to doing its part—targeting traffickers, working with our partners, and supporting harm reduction efforts to protect our community.”

According to Ottawa Public Health data, there were 19 suspected drug overdose deaths in the city between Jan. 1 and March 2, though the data does not specify which drug is suspected. There were 41 confirmed opioid-related deaths in Ottawa in the first three months of 2024.

The Ottawa Police Service says it continues to work closely with provincial and federal partners to implement strategies that disrupt the flow of illicit fentanyl into Ottawa, while also supporting prevention and education initiatives.

“The meeting reaffirmed the importance of a unified approach in tackling this crisis and ensuring the safety of all residents,” police said.